Possums or opossums are usually misunderstood for their defensive actions.These animals are infamous for their hissing and teeth-baring actions. These scare humans away and make them think that possums always carry rabies.However, against the popular conviction that possums carry rabies, it is actually quite rare that this happens to be the case. Possums usually have a low body temperature, which is not good for the rabies virus. To get started with facts about possums - did you know that possums are often wrongly accused of the mischiefs of raccoons? Keep reading for more facts about possums!If you enjoy reading this article, why not also check out if mice carry rabies and if squirrels carry rabies here at Kidadl!Signs Of A Rabid OpossumA possum or opossum is one of the pests that humans absolutely hate having around their homes. It cannot be said that human beings are absolutely wrong in keeping their distance from these animals of the wild, they do carry some diseases and can often cause a lot of issues. Although it is very rarely that opossums carry rabies, they are wild animals and run a risk nonetheless.It is thus best to know about the tell-tale signs that a rabid opossum or possum may be in your backyard. The typical symptoms of rabies such as fever, chills, vomiting, and drooling behavior is seen in these animals. These animals are often also shooed away due to the hissing sound that they make, but it is rarely a sign of rabies. Possums make a hissing sound in order to intimidate any animal or human being that they understand to be a threat.These marsupials have a much lesser chance of having rabies in comparison to other mammals and animals such as skunks, bats, and dogs. This is because an opossum has a lower body temperature than such animals. Low temperatures do not form good homes for the rabies virus, and hence, you would have a rather tough time in coming across a rabid opossum.Opossum And PetsThese marsupials are often misunderstood and hence, are not commonly kept as pets. However, this animal species is not known to be aggressive in general.Opossums only attack other animals when they sense a threat that simply cannot be deterred through bluffing behavior such as hissing or showing teeth. We are calling this behavior a bluff because opossums really aren’t as dangerous and aggressive as they pretend to be. Such intimidating behavior is just a way of making sure that no deadly animals would try to attack them.Most humans are aware that the Virginia opossum or simply the possum would love to munch on some pet food. Hence, people are often advised to not keep cat food around a possum’s natural habitat. Although it is extremely rare for these pests to get rabies, it is, however, possible for them to contract other diseases and then be carriers of the same. If you have cats or dogs at your home, it would probably be best to make sure that no opossums are around. They often carry diseases such as tuberculosis and spotted fever. Your pets may also get some ticks and fleas from possums if they happen to come in contact, which won’t be a good day for anyone!Do opossums carry diseases?While it is common for possums to be playing dead, it is just as common for a possum to die from diseases such as spotted fever.These animals may not be the best hosts for rabies, but when other diseases are concerned, they do not shy away from spreading some chaos. Having possums around the house should be enough for you to consider ways of disease control. These animals have excellent immunity and may be able to pull through, but it is likely that you and your pets will suffer greatly!Protecting Yourself Against A Rabid OpossumWhile their pink snouts and coarse hair may sometimes may you think that it would be fine to pet a small possum, it would be best to stay away and to call wildlife removal agencies or the opossum society in your neighborhood as soon as you see one of these animals around the house.These animals are North America’s natives and are famous for rummaging through garbage cans in search of rotten fruit or insects. However, the story does not end there. They also carry diseases. Hence, make sure to keep these animals away by not keeping your pet’s litter box outside, making sure that there is no fallen fruit under the fruit trees in your garden, and sealing off any holes that lead to your basement. Female opossums usually make their dens in the basements of human households and raise young opossums!It would also be a great idea to not corner the animal since they are famous for their defensive bites and scratches! When threatened, these animals either become extremely aggressive and attack their attackers, or they try to play dead. These episodes are extremely convincing as the animal starts smelling foul and becomes very stiff. To be safe, if you think that a possum may be living near your house, ask for professional help so that even the animal is protected.Treatment For An Opossum BiteIf you have been unfortunate enough to get bitten by a possum, the first thing to do would be to not panic.Opossums are not poisonous, neither do they have toxic venom. Hence, there is a large chance that you will be fine. Make sure to apply an antiseptic and avoid using any soaps that have any fragrance in them. It is noteworthy that an opossum bite can be painful and can even cause bleeding. Hence the next best thing to do would be to visit a doctor and seek medical support.Did You Know…Male opossums are called jacks. Additionally, opossums have a defense mechanism called playing possum. In this method, they play dead and secrete foul-smelling fluids from their anal glands.Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. Additionally, they also feed on animals and insects that are already dead. Also, opossums have a hairless tail, which they use to hang from tree limbs.Snakes and rodents are threatened by opossums. Opossums have a natural resistance towards snakes and their venom.Young opossums remain in their mother’s belly or the mother’s pouch for around 100 days.Opossums have opposable thumbs, just like humans.Like raccoons, these pests find food in trash cans.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for whether opossums get rabies then why not take a look at if rats carry rabies or Virginia opossum facts.
Possums or opossums are usually misunderstood for their defensive actions.
