Are Possums Dangerous?

Did you know that possums are quite dangerous? They carry rabies, they can jump high and they’re aggressive. It’s no wonder people don’t like them! Let us explain all the things to expect if your furry friend is a possum in your home. People may not appreciate their presence so much as we do now, but at least you’ll be prepared for what could happen next time an encounter occurs.

The “are possums dangerous to dogs” is a question that has been asked many times. There are different opinions on the issue but most agree that if you have a dog, you should keep your distance from any type of possum.

Is Possums a Threat to Humans?

When they feel threatened by people, they may be. It’s better to leave possums alone when you see them, and they’ll leave you alone in return. They aren’t aggressive and won’t go to great lengths to assault you.

If they believe they are being endangered by your presence, they will attack you. This is particularly true if they are carrying or around their puppies. During this period, be cautious since they may wreak a lot of damage.

Are Possums Harmful to Animals?

When challenged by a bigger animal, such as a dog, possums are frequently quiet and may “play dead.” They will not assault animals or people they believe they will be unable to defeat. Your pets should be regarded as secure.

This does not imply that your pets should approach an opossum. Keep a safe distance between yourself and your pet, as well as wild creatures. There’s always a chance your pet may be hurt, and you don’t want to kill a possum since they’re good to have around your neighborhood or yard.

Possums: Are They Harmful To Children?

Possums are typically quiet and placid, although they have the capacity to bite. Their teeth may cause damage, and you don’t want that to happen to your kid. Teach your children to respect possums so that they may go about their work without being disturbed.

Possums do not carry rabies, therefore you, your children, or your pets will not be infected with this illness, but they do carry other ailments. The following are some of the items they do have:

Leptospirosis
Tuberculosis
Recurrent fever
Fever with spots
Toxoplasmosis
Coccidiosis
Trichomonas infection
Chagas syndrome

Keep your youngster away from wildlife and make them watch it from a safe distance. Children’s immune systems are weakened, making them more susceptible to disease and sickness. Seek medical help if you think your kid has caught anything from the possum.

What Are Possums’ Advantages?

Possums are useful to have around, even though they may be pests at times. If possible, do activities that will neither injure or kill them in order to continue to benefit the ecosystem.

Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t dismiss your new visitors right away:

They are advantageous to gardening.
They feed on insects and other tiny rodents.
They will devour any fruit that has fallen from fallen trees.
They aid in the elimination of ticks and cockroaches.
Snakes, particularly deadly ones, are eaten by them (they are resistant to venom).

It has been observed that having a healthy population of possums in a region improves the ecology. There are fewer ticks that transmit Lyme disease, and dangerous snakes are less common.

If you have a garden, it would be quite helpful to get rid of any decaying veggies and fruits. They will also eliminate any insects that may pose a threat to your plants. So, before you attempt to get rid of them, consider carefully.

Keeping Possums Out of Your Yard

Possums are often simply passing through when you see them. Unless you give them with a consistent food source, they won’t remain around. Even so, there are a number of easy methods to keep a possum out of your yard where your dogs or children play.

If you have a backyard, constructing a fence is a simple method to keep possums out. Although these animals can climb, they will most likely navigate your yard by going around rather than climbing over the fence. This is particularly true while women are carrying their children.

Currently popular stories

String Lights in the Backyard Without Trees: 7 Ideas

Is it possible to put a hot tub on gravel? (And Why You Should Use It)

What to Feed Backyard Squirrels

If there are any gaps or openings big enough for a possum to squeeze through, seal them. Repair any holes in your fences and fill any gaps under the fence where it meets the ground. You may bury the chicken wire at the base of your fence if you’re concerned about digging.

What Should You Do If You’ve Got A Nest?

It’s possible that a possum has already established itself in your yard. They normally reside in holes and nurture their young until they are mature enough to travel on their mother’s back. You can simply discourage the family if this is the case.

You may simply shut the opening once the puppies are big enough to go with their mother. Before you do this, make sure there are no possums left behind. Because the mother and children normally depart as it becomes dark, two hours after the sun has set should be plenty.

You may shut the hole’s entrance after you’ve made sure there are no possums in the den. You don’t want to overfill it in case there’s still anything within. If the soil is not disturbed after 3 or 4 days, you may plug the hole. This means there’s nothing inside and you may securely shut the door.

Conclusion

Possums, like any other wild animal, have the potential to do damage. Their fangs aren’t just for show, and they won’t go out of their way to hurt you, your kids, or your pets. When possums are scared, they will more than likely pretend dead rather than attack.

Check out these articles on composting with maggots, what grub worms are, and what worms eat if you’re interested. These articles will provide you with a wealth of knowledge, particularly if you wish to start composting.

Opossums are not only dangerous, but they can also be blind. Opossums are the most common type of marsupial in North America and Australia. Reference: are opossums blind.