Opossums - Opportunistic Scavengers That Make a Huge Mess!
The only marsupial natively found in North America is the Virginia Opossum.
Like the raccoon, they are a very opportunistic animal.
They feed primarily on food left out by humans such as: pet food, trash cans, unsecured waste or any other food that may be easily found.
They can have litters at almost any time of year.
Opossum litters usually consisting of up to 10 young in each litter.
They stay within their mothers pouch for the first few months of life.
For the next few months riding on her back until she finally urges them off to stake their own territory.
They are very much a solitary animal from this point forward.
As a defense mechanism, opossums may bare their teeth and growl at anyone that gets too close.
This is usually the most aggressive behavior that they will demonstrate.
Opossums are best known for their defense mechanism of "playing opossum".
During this involuntary state, the opossum goes into a coma that may last for up to 4 hours.
Their body becomes rigid and they secrete a foul smell from anal glands that imitates the smell of a dead and decaying animal.
This hopefully warding off any potential threat to their safety.
Opossums primary living space usually consists of any confined space with easy access.
They rarely create their own entry point if it requires much effort.
They will use holes created by other animals, open foundation vents, holes in damaged soffits or other spaces open in or around your house.
In doing so, they can cause damage to your attic or crawl space by ruining insolation and defecating everywhere.
They are also carriers for the American Cat and Dog Fleas as well as many other parasites that can be transmitted to pets and humans.
Many times, a pets infested with fleas could be an indicator that you may have a visitor staying in or around your home.
Opossum removal is similar to that of many other animals that invade our homes and property.
This can be best achieved through live trapping, relocation of the animal and closing off of all other entry points.
Limiting all food sources outside will also help keep these animals from trying to enter your home.
This includes feeding pets indoors and securing your trash cans, as they may provide an easy meal for a hungry opossum.
If you suspect that you have an opossum on your property, a wildlife relocation specialist may be able to assist you in relocating your unwanted visitor.
Like the raccoon, they are a very opportunistic animal.
They feed primarily on food left out by humans such as: pet food, trash cans, unsecured waste or any other food that may be easily found.
They can have litters at almost any time of year.
Opossum litters usually consisting of up to 10 young in each litter.
They stay within their mothers pouch for the first few months of life.
For the next few months riding on her back until she finally urges them off to stake their own territory.
They are very much a solitary animal from this point forward.
As a defense mechanism, opossums may bare their teeth and growl at anyone that gets too close.
This is usually the most aggressive behavior that they will demonstrate.
Opossums are best known for their defense mechanism of "playing opossum".
During this involuntary state, the opossum goes into a coma that may last for up to 4 hours.
Their body becomes rigid and they secrete a foul smell from anal glands that imitates the smell of a dead and decaying animal.
This hopefully warding off any potential threat to their safety.
Opossums primary living space usually consists of any confined space with easy access.
They rarely create their own entry point if it requires much effort.
They will use holes created by other animals, open foundation vents, holes in damaged soffits or other spaces open in or around your house.
In doing so, they can cause damage to your attic or crawl space by ruining insolation and defecating everywhere.
They are also carriers for the American Cat and Dog Fleas as well as many other parasites that can be transmitted to pets and humans.
Many times, a pets infested with fleas could be an indicator that you may have a visitor staying in or around your home.
Opossum removal is similar to that of many other animals that invade our homes and property.
This can be best achieved through live trapping, relocation of the animal and closing off of all other entry points.
Limiting all food sources outside will also help keep these animals from trying to enter your home.
This includes feeding pets indoors and securing your trash cans, as they may provide an easy meal for a hungry opossum.
If you suspect that you have an opossum on your property, a wildlife relocation specialist may be able to assist you in relocating your unwanted visitor.
Source...