Possums are extremely docile creatures. Although they can growl, hiss or show their sharp teeth, they are not considered aggressive animals However, in some countries they are considered a pest, since it is common for them to come closer to homes attracted by the remains of food present in the garbage or compost piles. Likewise, it is also common for them to dig in the gardens in search of larvae and insects.
While possums do not pose a danger to humans or our pets, many people wonder: Are possums aggressive or dangerous?In this article on our site we answer your questions, keep reading.
What is a possum?
The opossum is a marsupial mammal endemic to South Americaand present in North America since the Cenozoic, a geological era also known as "the Age of Mammals". The term opossum encompasses more than 100 species within the order Didelphimorphia. It is also known as the common opossum, fox, rabipelado, chucha, fara or Tacuazín.
We are talking about small animals, similar in size to that of a domestic cat, that carry out an omnivorous diet, which includes percentages variables of meat and vegetables, variables according to the species. This marsupial is also semi-arboreal, because thanks to its prehensile tail it can easily move between the trees.
Possum behavior
They are crepuscular animals, that is, they have nocturnal habits, which only interact with their congeners during the breeding season, which includes copulation and rearing of the young. They have a marsupio where they keep their young warm and protected during their development. [1]
They are usually solitary and inhabit areas with an abundance of resources, where they can take refuge in dark burrows, even if they have not been built themselves. [two]
When these animals feel threatened or in danger they use thanatosis as a method of survival, an involuntary physiological response similar to a fainting that mimics the appearance and smell of an injured or dead animal. However, during thanatosis the brain remains conscious.
Do possums bite?
If you find a possum in its natural habitat, the first thing you may fear is that it is a dangerous animal. It has 50 very sharp teeth and powerful nails capable of tearing through the most resistant skins.
However, it should be noted that a possum will avoid confrontation with a human being by entering thanatosis, playing dead, due to our size, since we will be an imposing predator. This reflex action can last from a few minutes to an hour.
Common Opossum Diseases
As we mentioned before, opossums are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, but also to our pets. They can be carriers of ticks, lice, mites and fleas In turn, these parasites can be carriers of other pathologies.
Can opossums be pets?
More and more people are considering having a possum as a pet, however, we must know that it is not a domestic animaland that the IUCN red list identifies several species as critically endangered or vulnerable Therefore, it is not advisable to have an opossum as a pet.
Furthermore, opossums, like many other wild animals, are susceptible to zoonotic diseases, that is, they can be transmitted to humans and vice versa. Therefore, if you have decided to rescue one of these animals and you wonder if it is possible to have it as a pet, go to a veterinarian specialized in exotic animals beforehand to carry out a full scan.
