I’ll admit it: the first time I saw an opossum skulking through my yard, I was convinced my garden had hit rock bottom.
They looked like trouble on four legs, ready to raid the bird feeders or spread some kind of backyard chaos. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As I learned more about them, I realized I’d judged a book by its cover. Far from being the bad guys, opossums are nature’s cleanup crew, and my garden is thriving because of them.
Wait, you’re not convinced? I’ll ask you again once you read everything!
First Things First, What Are Opossums?
I’m sure you didn’t know that Virginia opossums are North America’s only marsupial species. This means that they carry their young in a pouch just like kangaroos.
It’s an adorable sight if you’re lucky enough to catch it in your backyard.
Opossums are also unique in other ways. They have more teeth – 50 to be exact – than any other mammal in North America.
Their back feet feature an opposable thumb-like digit that helps them climb, and their prehensile tail can grab and stabilize objects, making them masters of maneuvering through trees and tight spaces.
Perhaps most surprising, opossums are remarkably resistant to diseases. They’re one of the few mammals that rarely contract rabies or distemper, making them less of a health threat than many people think.
But here’s the twist: opossums and possums are cousins, not twins. Opossums call the Americas home, while possums prefer the sunny shores of Australia!
Where Do They Live?
Opossums are incredibly adaptable creatures, calling a variety of habitats home across much of the U.S. You’ll find them in woodlands, marshes, farmlands, suburbs, and even bustling cities.
The only places they tend to avoid are areas that are too cold or too dry, like much of the Intermountain West. Their hairless ears and tails aren’t built for extreme frost, making colder climates a tough environment for them to survive.
What’s truly remarkable about opossums is their resilience. While many species struggle with urban expansion, opossums have turned it into an opportunity.
They’ve figured out how to live among us, using our changes to the environment to expand their range and ensure their survival.
Why Do We Need Them In Our Yard?
Now the good part! Having an opossum in your yard is like hiring a night shift janitor you don’t have to pay. These creatures are pest-eating powerhouses, gobbling up garden nuisances like snails, slugs, and even small rodents.
They will also help you get rid of ticks! One opossum can eat thousands in a season, drastically reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme.
But opossums don’t stop at pest control – they’re also skilled scavengers. They clean up decaying organic matter, including overripe fruit and animal remains, which helps prevent odors and deters less-welcome scavengers like rats.
Their diet makes them a natural, low-maintenance way to keep your yard looking its best.
Plus, opossums are incredibly low-risk neighbors. They’re non-aggressive, don’t dig or destroy gardens, and rarely carry diseases harmful to humans or pets.
In fact, their quiet contributions often go unnoticed, but your yard – and your health – are better because of them.
So, Why Do They Have Such A Bad Reputation?
Let’s face it: opossums don’t have the most charming looks. Add in their infamous “playing dead” act, complete with drooling and a foul smell, and it’s no wonder people jump to conclusions about these misunderstood creatures.
But much of their bad reputation comes from myths. Many people wrongly assume opossums are aggressive, dirty, or disease-ridden, when in reality, they’re shy, clean animals that rarely carry harmful diseases.
And just for the record, their open-mouthed “hissing” is pure bluff. It’s actually a defense mechanism to scare off predators rather than an act of aggression.
Here’s How To Invite Opossums To Your Outdoor Space
Just like with attracting any other animal, start by offering what they need most: food.
These scavengers love overripe fruit, insects, and scraps, so leaving a little treat in a quiet spot can entice them. A small dish of cat food or the leftovers from your compost pile are more than enough to draw them in.
Provide a safe place to rest, too. Opossums love cozy, hidden shelters. Brush piles, stacked wood, or even a small animal shelter made from an old container can give them a place to hunker down. Add some leaves or straw to make it extra inviting.
Lastly, ensure your yard is a safe zone. Avoid using poisons or traps, and secure any loose trash that could pose a hazard.
By creating a friendly environment, you’re helping these shy creatures thrive while letting them help you keep your yard free of pests and debris.
But Beware Of This!
As beneficial as opossums are, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
For starters, don’t corner or handle them. While they’re generally harmless, a scared opossum might hiss or bite in self-defense. Their open-mouthed display is all bark and no bite – unless they feel truly threatened.
Be mindful of food sources, too. Leaving out too much food can attract other animals, including rodents or larger predators, which could lead to unwanted problems in your yard.
Finally, while opossums help reduce tick populations, they can occasionally carry fleas or other parasites.
Regular yard maintenance and thoughtful feeding practices can help you enjoy the benefits of these helpful creatures without inviting unwanted hitchhikers into your space.
Still thinking opossums are the bad guys? I knew it! So, next time you spot an opossum waddling through your yard, remember – it’s not a pest; it’s a partner in keeping your outdoor space thriving!