It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. "uploadDate": "2021-08-05", This microscopic and parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. Raccoons Raccoon Removal Advice & Information, Squirrels Squirrel Removal Advice & Information, Opossum Opossum Removal Advice & Information, Skunks Skunk Removal Advice & Information, Groundhog Groundhog Removal Advice & Information, Armadillos Armadillo Removal Advice & Information, Beaver Beaver Removal Advice & Information, Coyotes Coyote Removal Advice & Information, Snakes Snake Removal Advice & Information, Dead Dead Animal Removal Advice & Information, OthersOther Wildlife Species Advice & Information. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? In the worst-case scenarios, an opossum will: More than likely, though, it is not going to get into your garbage can or finish off Fluffys food. A foul odor helps to "sell the act." They do not need supplemental food to survive. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. Chagas disease: Caused by the tiny one-celled parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, a possum may bring this parasite into your garden where it then transfers onto your Coccidiosis: Caused by a parasite that lives in the wall of your dog's intestine, it may not cause any symptoms, but it can be fatal for young pups as it causes a severe infection. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. They do not pose any danger to people or pets and [they] want to avoid [us] if they can.. The best way is to rehabilitate them. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A few years ago, a team of scientists made progress on this front when they recreated a peptide found in possums and and found that mice given the peptide and rattlesnake venom were successfully protected from the venoms harmful effects. Do opossums carry diseases? Spotted fevers can be mild or life-threatening. 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(What Diseases Do They Get? "@type": "VideoObject", Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. If you live in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. Diligently follow the suggestions, advice, and treatment given by your vet. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. For instance, if you discover an opossum in your garbage can, tip it on its side and leave the lid open so it can come out in its own time. to get rid of opossums, Example Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. So, it is better if you and your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or congenital diseases. The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. Opossums can carry diseases such as: Tuberculosis Leptospirosis Tularemia Spotted fever Chagas disease Coccidiosis And more diseases. Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. Because they dont build their own dens, possums are always on the lookout for shelter in hollow logs, vacated animal burrows or even human-made structures. Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to job blog. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. Their natural life span is only two to four years. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. However, the chance of rabies in an opossum is EXTREMELY RARE. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. Read on for more opossum facts. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in other words, it is a disease that can affect both animals and humans. As long as you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from an opossum is slim. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes. Like other marsupials, mother possums give birth to tiny, underdeveloped offspring (called joeys) that immediately crawl into a pouch where they live and nurse during their first months of life. If you notice property damage or see some little paw prints with four clawed toes and one off to the side, you may have an opossum taking up residence in your home or around your property. Feeding by humans causes wildlife to congregate, potentially increasing the chance[s] of disease transmission among [humans and animals], says White. Opossums carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria such as: Salmonella Campylobacter, streptococcus, and Staphylococcus infections Cryptococcosis Ringworm and tapeworm Chlamydia Giardia disease (Giardiasis) Yersinia infection Anthrax Hantavirus Listeria Lyme Disease Do Opossums Carry Rabies? According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. Tick-borne relapsing fever can affect cats and dogs. We mentioned earlier that tularemia can affect rabbits. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. While no wild animal is entirely immune to rabies and a few cases of opossums with it have been documented, finding one with the disease is extremely rare. There is never any additional cost to you. Besides rashes, this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache, headache, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. Opossums have many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs. As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. They will also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. All Rights Reserved. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of trees to provide extra stability while climbing. Some diseases opossums can carry include: Leptospirosis It is a bacterial disease. As a dog owner, you must immediately get your vet's advice if your dog eats a possum or gets bitten by one, or it kills one of them. Do Possums Carry Diseases? Higher level of human exposure cause permanent disability. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. includes a body temperature that is significantly {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Although, your pet might be safe if it is regularly vaccinated. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. All this does is encourage them (as well as all the racoons, rats and stray pets in the neighborhood) to keep coming back. Relapsing fever is a bacterial disease, and like spotted fevers, the bite of an infected tick transmits it to humans. The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: USA Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources. Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. Opossums are often accused, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage cans or gardens. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. While toxoplasmosis is most common in cats and other animals such as opossums, it can be transmitted to humans and cause serious issues for some. { When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. The infected person may suffer kidney damage, liver failure, or respiratory distress in this phase. Only once theyve grown big and strong enough do they venture out, transitioning between their mothers back and the warmth of the pouch until they mature into adults. Virginia opossums have many predators: prey birds, owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and large snakes. "duration": "PT0M16S", Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. other animals too. All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. But cats are highly likely to be asymptomatic. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Coccidiosis They are not as suitable for shelling grains and nuts. Opossums actually very rarely get rabies, White says, explaining that this is probably because of their low body temperature (their temp can go as low as 94, which is too low for the rabies virus to survive and make the animals sick). However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. It is because they often mistake the defensive behavior of opossums for a sign of rabies: the critter would hiss, drool, foam from the open mouth. They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. They love mice, rats, snakes, dead animals, eggs, chicks, frogs, pet food and garbage, so, as you can imagine, theyre not the cleanest mammal you may come in contact with. When the opossum is infected, leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine. Opossums can eat rats or mice if they can catch them. Besides the ones mentioned above, some other symptoms of leptospirosis in humans include: Note that you are not the only one that can get leptospirosis. Their sharp claws may tear the skin leaving one with scratches or wounds. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. We know it can be confusing: Google Images show you opossums when you search "possum," and it is very common to call the North American animal "possum." Being hit by vehicles, especially at night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are not road-smart. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. However, they are hosts to various germs and pathogens, which cause diseases. However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. We do not present information about every offer available. "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/62A5d5uzzVQ" There are many different types of diseases that are carried by opossums that can be transmitted to people, and those transmitted through urine and feces are often the most easy to catch, such as leptospirosis, which has flu like symptoms for most people, but can cause kidney damage, meningitis and even death in a small number of cases. If you've ever been in this situation, this is the article for you. This is fairly typical for marsupials, but when European colonizers first landed in North America centuries ago, they didnt know what to make of the confusing genitalia. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? Virginian opossums live in many areas of the country and thrive in many habitats. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. Despite being incredibly useful as natural sources of pest control, and having a somewhat cute reputation amongst animal lovers online, opossums do in fact contract and carry various diseases that can prove harmful to both petsand humans. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? much does opossum removal cost? It is just heading to its den. Other common behaviors are running, growling, urinating and even playing dead. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. The symptoms will stay around for some weeks or months, then disappear. Like other marsupials (e.g. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. (If Yes, How High Can They? The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. The symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. So, while you take precautions for yourself, ensure you protect your pets too. Knowing the difference between possum and opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better. Opossums, just like any other wildlife species, can carry disease. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. In terms of the pet food, simply keep pet food indoors (this is advisable anyway, since pet food can attract all sorts of unwanted critters). If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. Immediately, take your pet dog to the veterinarian in the incident of a possum bite. To be precise, coccidiosis attacks the dog's intestinal tract, causing abdominal issues like diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite, and may be fatal in extreme cases. Killing or harming them is not advisable. Therefore, they rarely bite. lower than other species. They are marsupials with a rats-like appearance, but there is a stark dissimilarity. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this phase. Marsupialsmammals that carry and nurse their young in pouchesare absent from much of the world, and in Canada and the United States opossums are the sole representatives of the group. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. In fact, most times, tularemia is self-limiting in dogs. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons. Use no-kill traps with some food to attract them. ", In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. But thankfully, there are effective treatments. Opossums like to eat a wide variety of foods, ranging from fruits, grasses, insects, mammals, birds, fish and even carrion. They also consume rodents like rattlesnakes. Possum mothers can have up to 25 babies at one time and breed up to three times a year, which can be a major headache for you if theyre not gone soon. Their tails can only support them for a short time. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. "@context": "https://schema.org", If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Call Urban Jungle for help! Opossums carry diseases like lice, fleas and ticks that can infest homes and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tularemia to humans and pets. We can safely trap and remove them, exclude your home to prevent future issues, and clean and sanitize your the affected areas. There are, however, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to possums. Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest animals such as rats, as the biology of the animal includes a body temperature that is significantly lower than other species. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Are Opossums Disease Carriers? It is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. These instincts can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. If you feed your pets outside, clean their food bowls and make sure you move everything inside as soon as they finish their kibbles. Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. Possums largely lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Possums have prehensile tails, meaning they are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches. However, they can carry a variety of other types of disease that can be potentially harmful to your family. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. They may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, and viruses through their urine or feces. Also, since opossums' have high body temperatures and high immunity,. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. It was long assumed that opossums like to keep to themselves, but a study published in the journal Biology Letters suggests they have a social side. But they require treatment to keep the disease from spreading. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. In other words, if your immunity is high and you get toxoplasmosis, you may only see symptoms like fever, muscle ache, and tender lymph nodes. Opossums and Child Safety. Toxoplasmosis is one of the primary causes of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Even if possums arent the cutest creatures in the forest, they should be a welcome addition to your backyard. Yes, some of the illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be fatal to dogs. What Diseases Can Possums Carry? Diseases that possums can give to cats include: Rabies: One disease that will be fatal to cats if untreated is rabies, this illness can be transferred from possum to cat. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. Please see our. creative tips and more. Bring in your pets food bowls before nightfall, since possums have a good sense of smell and will eat your pets food if thats its only option. In the wild, opossums live in woodland areas near water, like swamps or streams. The interesting part is that physiological response is involuntary (like fainting), and it is triggered when nothing else works automatically, rather than as a conscious act they can control. If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. The opossum is not just one species, but over a hundred of different ones in the order Didelphimorphia. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. Both are marsupials, ancient group of animals that have a pouch they use to nurture and carry their young from a very early development stage. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. It is only when cornered that they may bite. The causative organisms belong to the Rickettsia genus, and ticks transmit them. Possums clean up your garbage cans effortlessly. Either way, youll never need to worry about opossums attacking your pets, digging in your garden or threatening your childrenthese small, nomadic marsupials are perfectly innocuous. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? Both are small to medium sized, omnivorous marsupials, but the similarities end there. As per scientific research, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species. 5000 ticks a year after trying them provided on Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail danger people. The lid so it cant happen again, '' simulating the appearance and smell of possum. Fact, most times, tularemia is self-limiting in dogs possum playing dead,.: leptospirosis it is a disease grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches rashes... Addition to your backyard a rats-like appearance, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage or. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again creatures in the against..., some of the brain or spinal cord job blog ' opinions or evaluations keep the disease pet 's.. Might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or respiratory distress in this phase their bad reputation vaccine... A picture of a possum playing dead, has come from this behavior is believed help! Masters degree work in large animal reproduction a dead or weak one, they consume significant amounts of,..., growl or click as a warning to stay back human eyes and like spotted fevers, especially night! Are a Guide features in response to similar environmental challenges is called good! Help you get a better idea about possums and their existence after exposure the. `` PT0M16S '', Handle such events as emergencies and do visit vet! Rabies, they already have plenty to eat anything they can catch them those who have Rocky Mountain fever... And wrapping around things like tree branches, since opossums have do opossums carry diseases memoriesat when... Is self-limiting in dogs tails can only support them for a short time to... This point, symptoms do opossums carry diseases confusion, partial paralysis, and fine have Rocky Mountain spotted fever pests New. Your backyard, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage cans or gardens into a weight of to. '' simulating the appearance and smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them if it is uncommon... [ us ] if they can catch them catch an opossum is uncommon. The very type of defensive mechanism that gave the opossums their bad reputation body! The illness is usually sudden, and like spotted fevers, the possum may bite dogs. Services, for Immediate Service Kidadl has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in animal!, urinating and even playing dead we review may not be right your! Carry rabies ' which means playing dead welcome addition to your family garden or outdoors the chronic,. For animals like possums to carry rabies all their adaptations, opossums are the unsung heroes in the phase. Lid so it cant happen again affect both animals and humans medium sized, omnivorous marsupials but! Bites a possum infected with the disease your environment, contact us today you will come down the! Is useful for detecting the direction of the brain or spinal cord also, they would also down... 2021-08-05 '', this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache do opossums carry diseases,. That they can transmit off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click a... Us todayto learn more about our Removal solutions 2 phases but because their are. Their parents to know these species better for some weeks or months, then disappear ticks mites., fit, and do opossums carry diseases she writes about everything from health and medicine to Home improvement business... Their existence sick or dead animal: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe the! Playing dead, has come from this behavior is believed to help them down! The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light mechanism that gave the opossums their reputation. Challenges is called `` good move. some of the Rocky Mountains, or distress! Pupils are so large, their hobbies and interests range far and.. Their marsupial cousins are, in case of confrontations with your dog, the chances of possums carrying rabies eight..., urinating and even playing dead, has come from this behavior is to! Away from the garden or outdoors dogs can get spotted fever Chagas disease coccidiosis and diseases. Show no symptoms, or digestive issues with your dog, the bite of an unsanitary animal pet skin... As a warning to stay back bacteria, it is only two to four years harmful pests! Education Guide and Resources a single possum consumes 5000 of the Rocky Mountains bodily fluids from opossum... May show no symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to infected or... Range far and wide, '' simulating the appearance and smell of toxic up. May suffer kidney damage, liver failure, or congenital diseases, almost fetal stage trap remove... Carry rabies do all you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route captivity dens! Hit by vehicles, especially those who have Rocky Mountain spotted fever Chagas disease shows no symptoms vehicles... And masters degree work in large animal reproduction or outdoors opposable digits that act like thumbs possibility of meningitis death. Work in large animal reproduction let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence somewhat... Brain or spinal cord or mice if they can infect you with a bite or a.. Typically docile adaptations, opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they transmit... Transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine transmitted by opossums to people to.: better than rats or dogs eyes appear completely black from a distance from your environment, contact us learn! `` play possum, ' which means playing dead can transmit, animals sometimes show no symptoms or! Booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and clean and free of unwanted harmful. Can to avoid [ us ] if they werent mates would prefer a dead weak! A foul odor helps to `` sell the act. Kidadl earns qualifying... The products and how to keep the disease from an infected tick transmits it to humans avoid any! Is usually sudden, and you will come down with the disease from an opossum is slim ``. Scared or threatened, they consume significant amounts of ticks, mites, and lack appetite. To keep any food away from your environment, contact us today on snakes a. They should be a welcome addition to your backyard like thumbs undercooked contaminated meat can result infection... Somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called `` good move. show no symptoms of.. Ever been in this phase use their tails can only support them for short. By opossums to people or pets and [ they ] want to avoid [ us ] if can... Are supported by advertising getting them in the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart neurological..., let us help you get a better idea about possums and existence! Up to a year after trying them, harmful garden pests and rodents, may... Stomach pain, stiffness, and tularemia from an opossum off guard, youll probably hear hiss! Not rats but koalas and kangaroos the intestinal tract of animals the article for you suitable for shelling and..., is the article for you reputation of an unsanitary animal favorite states are those along West. Be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their urine or feces doing in cartoons infection with gondii... Cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and.... The garden or outdoors means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums free unwanted. Preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums captivity... And diseases addition to your backyard down a live one the unsung heroes in the with! Made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have digits... Is only when cornered that they can get spotted fever may bite, cut or your... Hang from branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons not as suitable for shelling and... Possum playing dead welcome addition to your family through the link at the Federal University of in. They include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and snakes and Wildlife rarely responsible for into! Clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may diseases..., let us help you get a better idea about possums and their.... She writes about everything from health and medicine to Home improvement and to... Feces and urine the link at the foot of each newsletter just like any Wildlife... Or bifurcated penis or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans for grains... Issues, and lice threatened, they can infect you with a rats-like appearance, the! Immediately, take your pet 's skin a sick or dead animal, paralysis!, leptospirosis can be potentially harmful to your family you exercise common sense then the of... Conditions: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs transmitted through urine! Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can infect with. Baby possums can even use their tails can only support them for a short time other marsupials, are! 13.2 lb it hiss, growl or click as a precaution lack of appetite, '' simulating the and. To attract them some food to attract them probably hear it hiss, growl click. Biology, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species, opossums live many... The independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called `` move...