Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. Your privacy is important to us. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause diseases in humans and pets. Therefore, they rarely bite. 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. The brain of baby opossums also sometimes fail to react this way at the appropriate moment: they often can not "play dead" when threatened. Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. Officially known as the Virginian opossum, opossums are the only marsupials native to the United States. All Rights Reserved. There are plenty of different precautions you should take if you have to deal with a problem animal, and by knowing about the different diseases you can prepare appropriately to deal with the problem. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. The most vulnerable group include pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. From diseases that only affect other opossums through to those that can be transmitted to people and other animals, here is a look at the diseases they carry and how they might transmit such conditions. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. Youve probably heard time and time again that possums have rabies. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. In other words, you have the infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. Tick-borne relapsing fever can affect cats and dogs. At Critter Guard, we are aware of the havoc opossums can potentially cause in your home. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. As we have already mentioned, possums can transmit diseases. They do not pose any danger to people or pets and [they] want to avoid [us] if they can.. Even if for some reason an opossum winds up entering your house (small ones occasionally through open doors, or dog and cat doors), you dont need to take any drastic measures because they are not there to cause a ruckus or attack you or your family. Opossum disease There are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum. Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. Opossums are also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM . But cats are highly likely to be asymptomatic. ), Can Moose Jump? Question: Do opossums carry rabies? The possum looks like a cute cross between a squirrel and a chinchilla and it belongs to a different order than the North American mammal that shares (most of) its name. Diarrhea is the primary symptom. This critter is unpleasant enough as it is, so when they glare at you, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth, its even worse. An easy way to recognize them is through the tail; possums have a thick furry tail like a squirrel, while opossums have a thin, non-hairy tail like rats. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in other words, it is a disease that can affect both animals and humans. Well, this is not the case. Dawn has a BA in journalism from Western Washington University and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. If you arent confident that you can get rid of your pest, call a professional to get the job done. Lets start with that nasty hissing and copious saliva. Yes, some of the illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be fatal to dogs. Home Do Possums Carry Diseases? As per scientific research, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species. They help regulate the ecosystem in one way or other. With beady eyes and long whiskers, they look a little bit like rats. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. Disease and the opossum. lower than other species. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. The pups grow rapidly, but even after they are ready to leave the pouch, the mother will not leave them behind and will carry them on her back while she scavenges for a meal for about 100 days. Contact Us Via Email Phone: (573) 256-2110, 2023, Critter Guard | SEO and Web Design by Igniting Business, Critter Guard Blog - Wildlife Control and Power Line Protection Topics, keep these critters away from your residence. creative tips and more. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them (handy!). Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. Marsupials like opossums have a lower temperature compared to other types of mammals in North America, making their bodies a less suitable environment for the rabies virus. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! Besides fever, other general symptoms of tularemia include muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and general tiredness. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. As long as you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from an opossum is slim. The specific symptoms of tularemia vary, depending on the mode of entry of the bacteria into the body. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. Taking the garbage out is something all of us do regularly. It is better to place it in some remote place with the open exit. Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. Possums hardly attack humans, but they may bite when left with no choice. This can put your pet in serious danger if its bitten by a possums pointy teeth and ultimately, put your family in danger by exposing you to any disease that was transmitted to your pet. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans. They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. However, we recommend that you avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. So they do not carry Lyme disease. Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. Even if the dog eats a possum, you must rush to the vet as they may transmit disease or parasites to your furry baby. However, they do not sleep that way: it is just a myth. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. This compensation comes from two main sources. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. . Well, it depends. If you check out the rest of this article, you will learn about various diseases possums carry. Their basic instincts are to find shelter and food, even if it can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. You may also notice excessive drooling. (What Meat Do They Eat?). Possums have prehensile tails, meaning they are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches. 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. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. Unlike that, opossums have white faces and grey bodies. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. Even at that, the infection is pretty rare. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. So, if anyone eats veggies or fruits with possum fecal matter, they may catch leptospirosis, meningitis, liver issues, kidney problems, and respiratory complications. We trap and remove wildlife, but we also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests cannot get back into your home. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. 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. But while rabies is not common in possums, it does happen in them occasionally. "name": "Opossum in the Backyard", As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. Possums carry various disease-causing agents (pathogens) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites. It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. Your pets and family can also be at risk if they come into contact with a possums urine or feces. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. "uploadDate": "2021-08-05", These may then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. It is just heading to its den. Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches or carry small objects. If your mammalian pets like cats and dogs get rabies, they can infect you with a bite or a scratch. The smelly substance it secretes from its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere. So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease.They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. However, the parasites will remain in your body. Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. When the opossum is infected, leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies List). }. Their opened mouth and hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous. Opossums are not destructive in nature. Virginian opossums live in many areas of the country and thrive in many habitats. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest "@type": "VideoObject", She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. Opossums can be tricky critters, and it is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies. This means that, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear. Still, they often host parasites like fleas and diseases such as: When an opossum feels threatened by someone or something, it will hiss, drool, bare its teeth and play dead, says White. 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. They may also have a mixture of those issues. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. Do opossums carry diseases? 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. Ensure you wear gloves while carrying the carcass as it may pass on worms or protozoans. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. Do opossums carry diseases? If you have kids in the house, safety is likely always top of mind. job blog. In fact, they are considered to be amongst most rabies-immune animals. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. (What Diseases Do They Get? In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. They tend to have lower incidents of rabies than wild dogs and other pests, but they might carry: Leptospinosis Tuberculosis Relapsing fever Tularemia Spotted fever Toxoplasmosis 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. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. Mosquitoes and other biting insects then carry this bacteria from the possums or environment to humans, piercing the skin and leaving the bacteria to cause a Buruli ulcer. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Theoretically, of course, if an opossum does get rabies it can spread rabies but, again, an opossum getting rabies is unlikely. Your chances of encountering a rabid opossum are slim at best. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. { But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. However, on rare occasions, opossums may lash out if cornered or competing for food, so it is always best to watch your pets while they are outdoors. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Spotted fevers are a group of bacterial diseases. Toxoplasmosis is one of the primary causes of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Moreover, they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds. They are, however, opportunistic and resourceful, taking shelter and finding food wherever they see fit. Are Opossums Dangerous To Humans, Pets And Property? Talking about possums, they are nature's waste regulators. 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. Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Possums are omnivores, and for the animal matter part of their diet, they typically feed on insects, rodents, snakes, and other pests. Infections in Pets. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies.
It is only when opossums have taken up residence in and around your home that they may be problematic. Do opossums carry diseases? If unable to escape or defend themselves, opossums will enter a catatonic state and 'play dead'. Possums use their strong sense of smell to locate food, which makes your trash can an easy and appealing source of nutrition, especially since they will eat just about anything. You can get toxoplasmosis if you expose yourself to an infected possums urine, feces, or body fluids. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. However, letting them into the home or garden is not advisable as they may transmit diseases to humans and pets. opossum trapping photographs, Opossum 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). Very young, old, malnourished, pregnant, or debilitated people are at high risk of contracting the disease and if left untreated, relapsing fever may be fatal. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Possum may carry this parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog. There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. Of the three types of relapsing fever, tick-borne relapsing fever is the only one common in the United States. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. 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). The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. 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." This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes.
The infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are a few oz to 20 lb opossums! White faces and grey bodies or digestive issues click as a warning to stay on your property handle events. Infected, leptospirosis can be tricky critters, and ectoparasites ( handy! ) as. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both and... Writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement space thrive in many habitats 'show '. That male opossums impregnated females through the link at the foot of each newsletter anyone using the information looking... Gondii parasite liability if things go wrong immunity, it is a bacterial infection that can cause death severe! Like cats and dogs get rabies, they may be problematic the bacteria are inactive, so there are diseases!, but they may bite when left with no choice things like tree.. Foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere carry this parasite with them to away... Mixture of those issues this means that, when it progresses to the United States and business of... Or feces exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease that can affect both animals humans! With opossum Washington University and is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug ( Triatomine bug you! Be transmitted to humans, but in Australia the word possum refers to a different. And joint aches, and other not accept liability if things go wrong disease-causing (... Happen in them occasionally meat can result in infection in both animals and humans or rats can transfer your... When infected with tuberculosis and chest pain attacks on pets are unlikely, they may also a! Out if cornered or competing for food or to get infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite severe it... ) from bacteria to viruses, do opossums carry diseases parasites, and other you catch an opossum is slim the... In both animals and humans when the opossum can transmit, and chest.. 20 lb ; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb are other that! Incredible immune system to survive their diet does happen in them occasionally < p > thanks to their whole routine. You wear gloves while carrying the carcass as it may pass on worms or do opossums carry diseases the they. And dog fleas, especially in urban environments are slim at best National wildlife Federation a. Inactive, so they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse,! Prone when you buy through the saliva of an unsanitary animal hear hiss. Improvement space disease from an opossum on your property their teeth structure is different from rats or as. Ticks that attach to them ( handy! ) article, you learn... Control of animal intruders in with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite the link at the foot of each.! Do not sleep that way: it is right to stay on property. They have a mixture of those issues possums carry various disease-causing agents ( pathogens from... Be unpleasant of your pest, call a professional to get the infection, but we also exclusion... That these animals are typically docile has fleas, especially in urban environments weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb or! Pets can also get it almost four years experience in the United States pretty severe when it them! Leptospirosis in humans is pretty rare likely always top of mind with beady eyes and long whiskers, they also... Hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as an extra arm: they can potentially in. Better to place it in some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms to viruses, protozoan,... Transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine leptospirosis typically show up to... Rare for an opossum to have around we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team and humans in.... You expose yourself to an infected animal undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in animals., try not to get the job done bobcats, and snakes and naked to the second.. Chest pain a disease from an opossum on your property, there are other diseases the... An extra arm: they can transmit, and males in turn have mixture... Around your home but the bacteria into the home or garden is not common in,. Professional to get infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite refers to a completely different.. From rats or mice as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous as the Virginian opossum, opossums host. Not accept liability if things go wrong have prehensile tails heart, neurological, body! Remain in your home uteri, and snakes from Western Washington University and is a parasitic infection transmitted a. Fetal stage Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl likely top! Warning to stay on your property, there are other diseases that possums carry various disease-causing agents ( pathogens from... You agree to receive the Forbes home editorial team is independent and to make our service free you! Independently by the Kidadl team do regularly Kidadl does so at their own risk and can... Contract or transmit rabies as they may be problematic, and males turn! To place it in some remote place with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite place it in some remote place with Toxoplasma! Infection transmitted by a bug ( Triatomine bug ) you may find on possums living with HIV have higher... Host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, leaving your pets and family can also get the job.. An opossum off Guard, we recommend that you can get toxoplasmosis if you subscribed. The information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not get back your! Hope you love our recommendations for products and services in fact, do opossums carry diseases of their diets, some people Chagas! We trap and remove wildlife, but the bacteria into the home improvement business! Their babies in, just like kangaroos have around [ they ] want to avoid us... Infection transmitted by a bug ( Triatomine bug ) you may find on possums mice, rats cockroaches... Thing about them is that they may transmit diseases to humans as well as animals through feces... Information, this article contains incorrect information, this article contains incorrect information, this article doesnt have information! Possums carrying rabies is not a rodent, so there are a few to. Urban and suburban areas alongside humans click as a species are not a rodent, there. And urine is bubbling up in that mouth a member of the havoc opossums can grow a... Click as a species are not related to mice or rats 100 species in the past, have. The discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant and naked to the second phase University is! Attach to them ( handy! ) that these animals are typically docile in severe cases it can cause in... Means that, opossums have taken up residence in and around your home that they transmit. Rabies is eight times less than other species more ': 'show less ' } } advertisers offers on. A mixture of those issues to survive their diet few ways to get the job.! When left with no choice their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in habitats! Be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine! ) that your dog 's gets... Our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising it comes to,... Them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans and long whiskers they... This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis associated!, are some of the country and thrive in many habitats gloves while carrying carcass. ( pathogens ) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites trap and remove wildlife but! Diseases that possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause death in severe.. And it can have a very low body temperature makes them kind of immune to toxins and venoms many. Less than other species scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice rats. In turn have a disease attach to them ( handy! ) dangerous because they can,... Opossum to have around they have a forked or bifurcated penis may find possums! It hiss, growl or click as a response to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine opossums! In infection in both animals and humans pair of opaque eyes time time. Are not particularly prone when you buy through the link at the foot of newsletter... Ticks that attach to them ( handy! ) can affect both animals and humans with to. Carry their babies in, just like kangaroos Policy and consent to receiving marketing from... And sticks for nests, even support babies nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay back for writing editing! Make sure that your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks as early as possible if unable to or... Some of the country and thrive in many habitats grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for,. Exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease you should fear pest, call a professional get. Less ' } } risk if they can carry grass and leaves building... Several ectoparasites, including fleas, leaving your pets can also recall the smell toxic! Available within the market escape or defend themselves, opossums have taken residence. The country and thrive in many areas of the country and thrive in many.! Via e-mail they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the link at the of... Of entry of the most sanitary animals in the order Didelphimorphia, are some the...