Do possums actually make good pets?
While opossums are typically non-aggressive and can even be docile, they do not make good pets due to their highly specific dietary needs. It is extremely difficult to find the right balance in their diet in captivity and an unbalanced diet can result in severe metabolic disease.
Do opossums bite people or pets?
Yes, possums bite. However, possums are docile marsupials that prefer escape rather than attack. They generally don’t bite humans or animals, but upon finding no route to escape or competing for food, they might launch attack-mode and bite. Have you heard the phrase ‘play possum’?
Are possums dangerous to people or dogs?
Possums usually come off worst in an encounter with a dog, and at most the dog. The possums are not very dangerous, but sometimes they can be hazardous both regarding the human health and the property. Possums are not very dangerous in general.
Can you keep an opossum as a pet?
Transforming a possum into a pet can be an expensive proposition and one fraught with dangers for these animals. To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health.
Can you domesticate a possum?
People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released.
Are opossums friendly?
Opossums Are Gentle Wild Neighbors Opossums are peaceful animals that prefer not to fight although they may hiss, growl, and even bite if cornered. It is much more likely that the opossum will faint or “play dead” at the prospect of a confrontation. This physiological response is involuntary and automatic.
Do opossums like to be pet?
While some possums are quite cute and easy to handle, there are a few reasons why possums are not the best animals to have as pets. Possums are wild animals. No matter how small and cute some possums are, they are still wild animals. Recreating their natural environments within enclosures or cages is almost impossible.
Are opossums affectionate?
“They do something we call 'sliming,' which is where they'll lick your skin and rub their head against you. It's a sign of affection, but it's an experience when, in the middle of the night, you're awakened by a big opossum licking your face.”
Do possums like humans?
Opossums are much more afraid of humans than we are of them. There are two lines of defense for an opossum when confronted by a human. They will rarely attack, or they will play dead to avoid confrontation. The opossum has an instinct to act dead when standing against humans or other animals.
Do possum bites hurt?
While we don't recommend getting bitten by any animals, opossums are some of the least dangerous and least intimidating critters you might encounter! Inch per inch, their bites are much weaker than those of a domestic dog, and about a third as strong as a human.
What's the lifespan of a possum?
Virginia opossum: 4 yearsCommon opossum: 2 yearsOpossum/Lifespan
How do you befriend a possum?
Let your pet rest its feet in the crook of your arm so that it can feel safe and properly supported. Allow your pet opossum to sit in your lap and eventually crawl onto your shoulders and arms, which is its nature. Once you have gotten to this point, you will truly have a tame pet opossum.
How long do pet possums live?
Opossums are very short lived for an animal of their size. In the wild, they survive for only 1 or 2 years. In captivity, however, they live about 3 years on average and can live for as long as 7 years.
Do opossums like to cuddle?
Even now that she's older, her favorite things to do are cuddle, eat and sleep - opossums sleep over 18 hours a day, according to Rice.
Do cats and possums get along?
Adult opossums and cats seem to have a mutual respect and leave each other alone. In general, opossums are docile, non-aggressive animals and will not attack your pets. They prefer to escape and avoid confrontations, if possible.
What can I feed an opossum?
The best way to ensure your Opossum is getting the proper nutrients is to feed them a quality pellet diet like Insectivore-Fare, supplemented with lots of fresh vegetables and occasionally meat, eggs, insects, or plain low-fat yogurt as an added protein source.
How much does an opossum weigh?
An opossum is known for its white rat-like face and bare tail. Opossums can weigh between 9 to 13 pounds and get as long as 2.5 feet from their nose to their tail. It is the only marsupial found in North America. The opossum is sometimes called the Virginia opossum or the common opossum. Since this is the only kind of pouched mammal found in North America, some call them possums. This article will not focus on these opossums.
Where do possums live?
A possum refers to one of the many marsupials native to parts of New Guinea and Sulawesi, Australia, and some in South America. These possums range from less than an ounce to over 20 pounds and vary in color. Since there are so many kinds of possums found in those parts of the world, they are often referred to as a specific name instead of possum. The article will focus on some of these possums.
What are the most popular pets in the United States?
When people think about getting a pet, cats and dogs are among the most popular choices in the United States. Some people go for smaller creatures, such as fish, hamsters, rats, or rabbits. Others want reptilian or amphibian pets; lizards, frogs, or snakes are popular ‘exotic’ options. But what about a possum?
Do possums stay up at night?
Possums are nocturnal. While you are sleeping, most possums are going to be active. This means they might not get the attention or handling they need to develop into tame household pets. Certain possums are very social and can get depressed if they are left alone for too long. They also might keep you up at night with their movement in their cages.
Can you use possum and opossum interchangeably?
People often use possum and opossum interchangeably. However, this can create some confusion when researching this animal because these are two different creatures. Let’s break down the differences:
Can possums be wild animals?
It is recommended that possums remain wild animals. However, there are a few that have made good pets. Here is our list of those that could make a great addition to your family as a household pet.
Do short tail possums fight?
Unlike the sugar gliders, these possums are solitary. Short-tailed possums will fight each other if two are put in the same cage; they could even kill each other.
How to keep a possum in good health?
To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health. You may even need to pass a written exam or take a training class to get a permit.
What animal is the possum?
However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. The possum is the animal we are discussing in this article, but it is also known as the opossum. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. They are marsupials with prehensile tails, making them very good climbers.
Why do possums age so quickly?
Possums are also prone to disease, death, and infections in captivity. Lack of immunity in captivity conditions can lead to bacterial diseases. Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese. Scientists have no idea why they age so quickly. The majority of vets don’t yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. You need to find an animal doctor who is qualified to address this type of health problems if you are going to raise a possum.
Where do possums live?
Opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. They are found in North, South and Central America, but mainly in the North. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. The English word ‘possum’ was first used for this opossum variety.
How do possums survive in captivity?
In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. Stress and tension experienced due to confinement and lack of exercise as well as proper diet are the main barriers to the survival of possums in captivity.
Can possums be kept without a permit?
Another important factor is that it is illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. Once they are old enough to survive independently, healthy possums can and should be released. These animals generally don't fare well in captivity. Transforming a possum into a pet can be an expensive proposition and one fraught with dangers for these animals.
Can a possum attack a cat?
However, when threatened, the possum can attack so you need to consider this if you want to rear one as a pet. Discipline your possum gently because if you try physical reprimands, it will breed aggression. The possum will likely want to run out of the house, much like many a pet cat.
Can You Own a Pet Opossum?
At this moment in time, it’s illegal to own an opossum as a pet in several regions. In the regions where it is legal to own an opossum, there are still a few challenges. While they are small and easy to care for, they are naturally created to be out in the wilderness.
What to Feed Pet Opossums
While you might be able to visit a local pet store and find an acceptable type of pet food for your opossum, there may be some better options as well. Fruits and vegetables are common choices for smaller animals like an opossum. These treats should be mixed with regular dry pet food several times per day on a regular schedule.
Where Is It Legal To Own Opossums as Pets?
It’s legal to own a pet opossum as long as you have the appropriate regional permits to do so. In the United States, every state has different laws or permit requirements for exotic animals, and wild animals ownership. In the UK, you actually have to apply for a license to own certain wild animals.
How Long Do Opossums Live In Captivity?
Opossums don’t generally have a lengthy life expectancy in the wilderness. As a pet, they may be able to live longer because they are not facing predators in the wilderness and trying to survive from them.
Pet Opossum Care and Health
If you are going to have a pet opossum, then you will need to find a veterinarian in your area that has experience with not only exotic animals but with opossums specifically. Exotic animals need to have access to the correct care if you are going to keep them for a long period.
Why Pet Opossums Are a Bad Idea
There are several challenges to having an opossum as a pet. By having your opossum inside most of the time, it would be very challenging for your opossum to receive an appropriate amount of exercise. They could easily become overweight and struggle with health issues as they get older.
What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?
They are both marsupials but of a different order, opossums are didelphimorphia while possums are phalangeridae. Their appearance is also different; for once the Australian possum’s tail is covered in fur.
What do opossums eat?
Diet. Opossums are omnivorous and tremendously opportunistic in the wild. Their diet includes fruit, insects, grass and plants, small animals like mice and rats. Replicate the variety of their diet in captivity is a real challenge, yet the nutritional aspects of their diet must be met or it can terrible affect their health.
What are the health problems of an opossum?
A major worry for the caretaker is the opossum’s diet and exercise. An unappropriated diet can provoke grave issues for opossum health like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) which is potentially fatal and expensive to treat. Symptoms include bone deformities, fragile bones, and swollen joints.
What is a play possum?
To “play possum” is a defensive system opossum do while Australian possums don’t have this behavior.
How big are opossums?
In general, opossums can be from 13 to 37 inches long and weight from 11 ounces to 14 lb. with males being heavier than females.
How long do opossums live?
Their scientific name is Didelphimorphia. Advertisement. Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. They are known to live for three years in the wild and seven in captivity with the proper care and appropriate environment.
Why do animals make their own dens?
Numerous animals make their own den to protect themselves, minus the opossum. This opportunistic animal takes shelter in different places like abandoned animals burrows, brush piles, attics, and other structures (natural or man-made) to cover themselves.
What do opossums eat?
As omnivores, opossums consume a variety of foods. This includes the beetles, slugs , and snails which damage garden plants. These nocturnal creatures also consume plant matter. In general, the opossum prefers fallen or rotting vegetation to fresh.
Why are possums important to the ecosystem?
Opossums not only play an essential role in the ecosystem, but they can also be a valuable asset to your garden, in spite of the fact that most people are quick to control their numbers . Opossums, sometimes called possum, benefits your garden by ridding it of small insects and pests.
How many ticks does an opossum eliminate?
It’s estimated that a single opossum eliminates over 5,000 ticks from the environment each year.
Do opossums eat food?
Consider these opossum facts before enticing them to stay: As scavengers, opossums will gladly consume pet food left outdoors. They have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind. They can have fleas and drop flea larvae and eggs in your yard and garden.
Do opossums dig holes?
Opossums are immune to the toxins in bee and scorpion stings. Opossums don’t dig deep holes, but they will occupy burrows of other animals. Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to having the helpful opossum hanging around your home and garden.
Is the marsupial a bad animal?
America’s only marsupial tends to have a bad reputation. Perhaps, it’s the opossum’s appearance and nocturnal lifestyle that makes this creature so unappealing. After all, spotting a large rat-like creature with beady eyes and a scavenger’s appetite in a beam of light is just plain creepy.
Can opossums have fleas?
They can have fleas and drop flea larvae and eggs in your yard and garden. Opossums are opportunists who will gladly shelter in your home, garage, or outbuildings. They will help themselves to the kitchen scraps in your compost pile or bags of garbage set out for trash collection.
How far do opossums walk?
Opossums walk up to a half mile each night. They will not do this in a cage or around your house. It is difficult to get a vet to see them, and if you do, it is highly improbable to get one who knows the particular physiology of the opossum, which, in some ways, is very unlike a dog or a cat.
Is it possible to imprison a wild animal?
The fact is, it is practically impossible. Many of their needs are simply unknown to us, and they are designed by nature to be short-lived animals. Ethically, you are imprisoning him. He is not domestic, he is a wild animal.
Is it normal for an opossum to urinate more than once a day?
It is abnormal for them to have a discharge or to urinate more than once/day or to have any offensive odor. We search for words to tell people how difficult it is to keep opossums healthy in captivity, but there are really no words for it. The fact is, it is practically impossible.
Why are possums called living fossils?
They've been around longer than any other mammal. Possums are often called "living fossils" because they've been able to survive on our planet for millions of years — over 70 million, to be exact, which really shows their ability to overcome adversity.
Why do possums have foul odors?
They can stay zoned out for hours, emitting a foul odor in order to further keep any bad guys at bay — but they'll never outright attack, even if they're baring their teeth.
How many ticks can a possum kill in a week?
According to stats reported by the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum can potentially eliminate 4,000 ticks in one week thanks to their extreme self-grooming methods (either crushing or consuming the ticks burrowing in their fur).
Do possums have higher intelligence than cats?
Possums tested with a higher intelligence than more domestic animals like rabbits, dogs, and cats — particularly when it came to finding good grub and remembering exactly where it was to go back for more.
Do rattlesnakes sting possums?
The venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and other dangerous slithery snakes that might be hiding in your yard has no effect on possums.
Is a possum a pest?
Possums are generally regarded as pests when folks find them lurking in their yard or near their homes in the middle of the night. It turns out, though, that they're really one of the most misunderstood creatures on our planet. Contrary to popular belief, having possums nearby can actually be beneficial! Sure, they can admittedly be pretty jarring ...
