Posted by kathy hetu on October 23, 2005

Q: why do i see them during the day ? are they dangerous? how do i get rid of them? if i see one are there many more like rats? i lived on a farm for 30 years never saw one now live in town

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Wisconsin

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I can understand your concern if you haven't seen Opossums in your area before. Actually, this mammal has been spreading northward for some time now and although not very well adapted for really cold northern winters, has done rather well. Those in the colder parts of their current range in the north sometimes have frostbitten ears and tail - they may now be at the northern limit they can survive. Opossums also are more and more common in town settings where food is often easy to get and many places offer underground sites for their homes.

Opossums aren't dangerous. Although they look like large rats, they're actually marsupials similar to the kangaroos and wallabes of Australia. Marsupials give birth to very poorly developed young who then complete their development in their mother's pouch. Opossums are usually active at night but may forage in the daytime if food is scarce, the weather is especially warm on a winter's day, or they're putting on some extra weight prior to winter. Although an Opossum will defend itself by biting if necessary, it much prefers to escape and won't attack you or any pets. Opossums eat a variety of foods and are often attracted to uncovered garbage cans etc. Be sure to keep foods covered around your home so you aren't enticing them to visit. Opossums usually spend the day sleeping in tree hollows, old groundhog burrows, or even beneath old outbuildings then move about in the evening looking for food. Hope this helps to reduce your concern. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( October 23, 2005)