Did you know that the opossum is the only marsupial in North America? They are not the warmest looking of mammals, and if you have ever come across one, its exaggerated rodent-like features probably sent a shiver down your spine. If you don't know what one looks like, picture a medium-sized animal about a house cat’s size, with gray to black fur, a pink nose, naked ears, a mouthful of sharp teeth, and a mostly hairless tail. 

 

 

Opossum Behavior 

Interestingly enough, opossums are pretty shy creatures, but startle one and there is a good chance it will defend itself in one of two ways. If it feels threatened, the opossum may react by baring its teeth and hissing. Although this may seem very intimidating, it is usually just a warning sign. If it feels that there is real danger, it may react by "playing possum," which means seizing up and appearing dead. Its tongue may flop out of its mouth and it may release a green fluid from its anus. When this happens, it is not a demonstration of its excellent acting skills. It is actually an involuntary action that occurs when the creature feels an immense amount of stress. When the animal feels that the danger is gone, it will revive and continue on its way. 

Opossum Habitats 

When we see opossums on television or in movies, they are usually rummaging through trash cans outside of a house or hiding up in a tree. These depictions are pretty accurate. They also like to burrow in the ground, under patios, and in the spaces under decks. The fact that trash cans supply them with a food source only makes houses and crawl spaces more attractive. While this is great for them, it can lead to property damage both under and around the house

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Health Dangers 

Many people assume opossums carry rabies, but the chance of finding one with the virus is very rare. However, they are still dangerous to humans because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opossums can carry bacterial diseases like leptospirosis, which can cause kidney and liver failure, and tuberculosis, which can cause difficulty breathing among other life-threatening symptoms. There is no reason to take a chance with your health. For this reason, it is essential to be cautious around opossums and to act if you see them on your property. 

Given the risks they pose, it is clear that opossums are creatures that need to be handled carefully. Here at Black Knight Pest Services, we have over 20 years of experience dealing with invasive wildlife. Our technicians specialize in offering the latest, most responsible, and effective service to help you feel secure. If you are concerned about chemicals in your home, know that we specialize in non-toxic, odorless options that will not stain floors, walls, appliances, baseboards, or furniture. You can trust us to provide you and your family with the top-rated pest control services in the area. Contact us today for a free estimate.