Opossums, also called Virginia opossums, are North America's only marsupial. They are common all over Kentucky and do well in many places, from forests and wetlands to cities and suburbs near streams or swamps. These cat-sized mammals are active at night and easy to spot with their whitish-gray fur, pointed faces, hairless ears, rat-like tails, and tracks that look like tiny hands. Opossums are highly adaptable omnivores with short lives—many die in their first year. They often become pests when their habits clash with people, causing damage and health worries.

 

Opossums search for food wherever they can and often come near homes, leading to common problems. They build dens in attics, garages, crawl spaces, under decks, or in sheds, using leaves, grass, and debris for messy nests. This can damage structures, tear insulation, and create bad smells from droppings or urine. Opossums dig through trash cans, compost piles, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food, spreading garbage and drawing in other pests. In gardens, they harm fruits and vegetables or steal eggs from chicken coops and game bird nests. When scared, they hiss and are noisier than rats but quieter than raccoons. Their well-known "playing dead" trick can surprise people, but it's just a way to defend themselves. Opossums can spread diseases to humans, pets, and livestock, including rabies (though it's less common in them), leptospirosis, and parasites like fleas and ticks. They are a main host for Sarcocystis neurona, the parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a serious brain disease in horses. Bites or scratches bring risks, and their waste can contaminate spots, spreading germs. In rural areas, they may hunt poultry or eggs and stress or infect farm animals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!