They are the only marsupial (pouched mammal) found in the United States and Canada.
Do opossums carry rabies?
Any mammal can carry rabies.
However, the chance of rabies in an opossum is extremely rare.
This may have something to do with the opossum’s low body temperature (94-97º F) making it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in an opossum’s body.
What should I do if I find an opossum inside my home or garage?
Contact us, the Redondo Beach Animal Care Services Unit, at (310) 318-0611 to assist you.
Lean an empty, tall kitchen trash can at approximately a 30-45º angle against something the opossum can climb onto such as a stack of books.
Place cat food or ripe fruit at the bottom of the trash can. The opossum will be able to climb into the trash can but will be unable to climb or jump out.
Immediately take the trash can outside. Tip the can on its side and the opossum will leave when it feels it is safe to do so. This is best done at dusk.
If it has to be done during the day then tip the opening towards a dense shrub where the opossum can hide until nightfall.
You can also try to leave a trail of pet food leading to an open door. Observe quietly at a distance. Once it leaves, shut the door.
Do not try to push the opossum with a broom. The frightened animal will freeze and not move.
I see opossums on the telephone cables and in my yard. What do they eat?
Opossums are scavengers
They visit human homes or settlements to raid garbage cans, dumpsters, and other containers.
They are attracted to carrion and can often be spotted near roadkill.
They also eat grass, nuts, and fruit.
They will hunt mice, birds, insects, worms, snakes, and even chickens.
Where can I learn more about opossums?
There are many Internet sites that provide valuable information about problems and issues with opossums in an urban environment. Some of them are:
A female opossum gives birth to young as tiny as honeybees. Babies immediately crawl into the mother's pouch, where they continue to develop. As they get larger, they will go in and out of the pouch and sometimes ride on the mother's back as she hunts for food. Opossums may give birth to as many as twenty babies in a litter, but fewer than half of them survive. Some never even make it as far as the pouch. Opossums are most famous for "playing possum." When threatened by dogs or other predators, opossums sometimes flop onto their sides and lie on the ground with their eyes closed or staring fixedly into space. They extend their tongues and generally appear to be dead. This ploy may put a predator off its guard and allow the opossum an opportunity to make its escape. Opossums are excellent tree climbers and may be seen in Redondo Beach walking on telepone cables. They are aided in this by sharp claws, which dig into bark, and by a long prehensile (gripping) tail that can be used as an extra limb. Opossums nest in tree holes or in dens made by other animals.
