Opossum Information

Opossums are the only native North American marsupial.

This means that young are born live, tiny and hairless, and crawl into a pouch located on the underside of their mother. They often ‘ride’ on their mothers until they are able to fend for themselves. This behavior allows young to have a head start on survival.

They are usually loaded with fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Opossums do carry the rabies virus; however, they are less likely to have the disease than raccoons or dogs. They also carry many other diseases and infectious bacteria.

Opossums are true omnivores, having a diet consisting of pet food, nuts, fruit and garbage. They prefer to live in dark protected areas, such as under structures, in attics and burrows. Opossums rarely dig their own burrows often hijacking empty armadillo or skunk burrows.

Opossum Trapping and Removal

Opossums are usually rather easy to trap in a box style live trap. Unlike other nuisance animals, the opossum is not ‘trap-shy’ and will enter a baited trap often within the first 5-7 days of trapping.

Fish based cat food is an excellent bait for these animals; however, cats, raccoons, and other animals may be attracted to this bait as well. Other baits, such as overripe fruit, peanut butter or nuts are useful, as well. Traps should be placed near entry points of burrows and structures and along game trails.

Contact us for more information on opossum removal in your area.