Are opossums dangerous? Despite their name, the answer can surprise you. In this article, we will look at what opossums are and if they are good or bad for your property!
We have all heard myths regarding opossums being really dangerous and just disguising themselves. The present article will prove this is a myth that opossums are dangerous! Opossums are known for their “pudgy” looks and bare little teeth. Opossums play the role of scavengers in nature, surviving on the garbage and leftover foods. Even though they look weird, there are many positive sides to this opossum. So if you Have ever wondered if opossums are dangerous? This article is just for you. In this article, I will try to answer this question as well as tell you more about these cute but weird animals.
Table of Contents
What Are Opossums?
Opossums are a type of North and South American marsupial. You can find these opossums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are 100 different species of opossum.
These animals have a dog-like head and body, but the tail is longer and more like a rat’s tail. Most opossums have a tan or grayish coat with white stripes on their face and back. The tail may be black or white, depending on the species.
Opossums are nocturnal creatures that spend most of their time hiding in trees or burrows during the day. They eat fruit, insects, and small mammals such as mice and rats. Opossum babies (known as joeys) spend the majority of their first days inside their mother’s pouch, which is similar to that of a kangaroo but smaller.
Apart from that, An opossum’s diet consists mainly of insects and small animals such as mice and other rodents. The animal will find food at night by smelling out insects such as crickets or spiders that are hiding under logs or rocks near streams or ponds during daylight hours. It then uses its sharp teeth to kill these creatures before eating them up.
What Do They Look Like?
They have a prehensile tail, which is a very unusual trait among mammals. They also have pouches on their bellies, where they carry their young.
In general, Opossums are known for their small size and coloring, which typically consists of shades of gray or black, along with distinctive stripes on their faces and tails. They have hairless ears and noses, which are pinkish up close. Opossums have long, thin tails that they use to hang from trees while they sleep or eat fruit. Their tails can also be used as an arm to help them climb trees or hang onto branches while they’re moving through the treetops.
Opossums are omnivores; they consume a diet consisting of both plants and meat, including insects and fruit. Their diet varies depending on where they live and what’s available at different times of the year (e.g., during winter when it’s hard for them to find food).
Are Opossums and Possums The Same?
Opossums and possums are both marsupials; however, they are not closely related.
Possums are found in Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They have long snouts, pointed ears, and long tails. Their fur is usually gray mixed with brown and white or yellow bellies. They can be quite large (up to 10 kg) and have 50 teeth which they use to chew their food.
Opossums are found in both north and south sides of America. They have short snouts, rounded ears, and short tails. Their bodies are covered with fur that ranges from grayish-white to brown or black. They do not have any marsupial pouches like kangaroos, but they do have 50 teeth that they use for chewing their food.
Are They Dangerous?
The answer is no. Opossums are not dangerous, and they will not show aggressive behavior toward you randomly. They are shy, solitary animals, and they tend to avoid people.
Opossums usually only become aggressive when they’re provoked or threatened, like any other animal. They’re also very clean animals, so if you ever come in contact with one, you can rest assured that it’s not carrying rabies.
If you see an opossum with babies, don’t touch them — the babies may be hanging on to their mother’s back for warmth or protection from predators.
What Should I Do If I See An Opossum?
If you happen to see an opossum while you’re out and about in the wild, there’s no need to panic! Just stay away from it and give it some space so that it can go about its business without feeling threatened or harassed by humans.
Are Opossums Scavengers Or Predators?
Opossums eat anything from plants to insects to carrion (dead animals). They prefer fruit over meat but will eat whatever they can find. Opossums have sharp front teeth used for grabbing insects, birds, and small mammals, as well as round back teeth used for chewing vegetation such as leaves, flowers, nuts, and seeds.
Are They Good or Bad For My Property?
Opossums are generally considered good for your property. They eat a lot of unnecessary junk, like pests and bugs that can harm your garden. Insects like caterpillars and grasshoppers are common pests that many people worry about because they can destroy crops and gardens. Opossums feces have been shown to have an insecticidal effect on some of these insects, so having possums around your property will help keep them under control.
Also Read: Do Outdoor LED Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?
Final Words
In short, no. Opossums are wild creatures and should be treated with care and respect, but they are a lot less likely to inflict harm upon humans than they are to be harmed by them. If you ever have the opportunity to get up close and personal with an opossum in its environment, I would highly recommend treating it with care. You’ll learn a lot about the creature and see that it is not nearly as scary as many would have you believe.
