Opossums
What they Look Like:
Opossums are usually grey or black with a pink pointed nose and black eyes. Their feet and tail will also be pink, and they can be about the same size as a house cat. The female has a pouch where it will keep its babies during the first 2 months. They are the only marsupial native to North America. Possums have also been around about 70 million years since the Pleistocene age. If a mother possum is hit on the road or killed recently, check the pouch because there may be babies inside that are still alive. They can have as many as 13 babies, although the average is 7-9. |
|
What you should do:
- If the animal is recently dead, check for a pouch to see if the babies may still be alive inside.
- Note: Babies may be naked or partially furred with eyes closed depending on their stage of development.
- Newborns are about the size of a jelly bean and sadly, cannot be saved. However, babies that are about the size of a woman’s thumb can be helped. Place the babies in a sock or something similar and warm them. Call a rehabber immediately.
- Fully furred babies that are about the size of a mouse have probably fallen from the mother’s back. Adult opossums that need help should be picked up by the tail and held upside-down at arm’s length. (Possums do not contract or carry rabies, but they have sharp teeth that they will use if you get close enough).
whattodoopossum.pdf | |
File Size: | 55 kb |
File Type: |
Ayn Van Dyke – Kritter Kamp
(724) 254-9748
410 Glenn Drive
Marion Center, PA 15759-7916
Pennsylvania Wildlife Center
(412) 793-6900
(724) 254-9748
410 Glenn Drive
Marion Center, PA 15759-7916
Pennsylvania Wildlife Center
(412) 793-6900
Center for Media Production and Research