Content
Opossum myths: These facts aren't true – don't believe them
25.12.2023 16:10
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:21
Opossums tend to be one of the most useful and also least harmful wild animals you can meet, but they are still surrounded by myths.
Most of them appear because of how they look, and others - because of their diet, which mostly consists of pests.
Here are a few opossum myths you shouldn't believe.
Opossums are aggressive
Many people think that opossums are mean and will attack humans or other animals.
However, opossums are usually not aggressive. They tend to be timid and will usually try to escape or play dead when they feel threatened.
Opossums are dirty or carry diseases
Some people believe that opossums are dirty animals that spread diseases.
While it's true that any wild animal can carry diseases, opossums are actually quite clean.
They groom themselves regularly, which helps keep them free of parasites.
Opossums are pests
Opossums are often mistaken for pests because they can rummage through garbage cans or get into gardens.
However, they are actually beneficial to have around. They eat pests like rats, mice, and insects, helping to control their populations.
Opossums are rodents
Opossums may look similar to rodents like rats or mice, but they are not rodents themselves.
They belong to a different group of mammals called marsupials, which includes animals like kangaroos and koalas.
Opossums are carriers of rabies
Opossums have a low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in their bodies.
It is very rare for opossums to carry rabies.
Opossums are a threat to pets
Opossums are generally not a threat to pets like cats or dogs.
They prefer to avoid confrontations and will usually flee or play dead if they encounter a pet.
It's important to keep pets up to date on their vaccinations to protect them from any potential diseases.
Previously, we talked about parrot socialization.
