Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. When a baby opossum gets too big for the pouch, it will ride on the back of its mother until it is mature enough to live independently. Operating 24/7/365. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of trees to provide extra stability while climbing. Tularemia is caused by a bacterial infection that results in fever and skin ulcers. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. Your resident opossum might be just a bump in the night, but it could also be a carrier of leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella and tuberculosis. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans. Trim any overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that extend over your roof so possums dont have any way to hide or maneuver into your home. The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. Possums have no control over when they play dead or for how long they do it: The comatose-like state is an involuntary reaction triggered by stress. Some of the diseases that possums can carry include: Rabies: Rabies is a severe and potentially fatal disease affecting mammals' nervous systems. While toxoplasmosis is most common in cats and other animals such as opossums, it can be transmitted to humans and cause serious issues for some. Besides rashes, this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache, headache, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. "uploadDate": "2021-08-05", Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. They are marsupials with a rats-like appearance, but there is a stark dissimilarity. So, if anyone eats veggies or fruits with possum fecal matter, they may catch leptospirosis, meningitis, liver issues, kidney problems, and respiratory complications. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These may then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc. Your privacy is important to us. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of fever, headache, and muscle pain. However, there are With beady eyes and long whiskers, they look a little bit like rats. They are often accused of killing chickens, something that happens very rarely. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or congenital diseases. Relapsing fever is a bacterial disease, and like spotted fevers, the bite of an infected tick transmits it to humans. Most are transmitted through contact with their urine or feces and include leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis which can affect people and domestic animals. Knowing the difference between possum and opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better. Yes, the smell! According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. The ones you can meet in North America - and memes - are Opossums. Types Of Ants That Might Invade Your Home, Find its way into a garbage can and, subsequently, get stuck. Despite the urban legend, there have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken. We mentioned earlier that tularemia can affect rabbits. Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. Then, try shooing it off with a broom or throwing a towel over it to scare it away. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. They also can cause damage as they burrow under sheds, decks and porches to build nests where they take shelter and raise their young. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench. Toxoplasmosis is one of the primary causes of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease.They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Even if possums arent the cutest creatures in the forest, they should be a welcome addition to your backyard. Its an impressive defensive mechanism, but its effectiveness cant be chalked up to the possums acting skills. In short, be watchful in every way possible. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62A5d5uzzVQ/hqdefault.jpg", In the wild, opossums live in woodland areas near water, like swamps or streams. Others believe that these furry, gray marsupials with hairless tails are scary. Possums use their strong sense of smell to locate food, which makes your trash can an easy and appealing source of nutrition, especially since they will eat just about anything. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. (What Diseases Do They Get? Coccidiosis Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. "@context": "https://schema.org", Do not use traps, she adds. What Diseases Can Possums Carry? Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Heres why. But its a myth that possums sleep this way: Their tails are only strong enough to hold them for a short amount of time. They tend to have lower incidents of rabies than wild dogs and other pests, but they might carry: Leptospinosis Tuberculosis Relapsing fever Tularemia Spotted fever Toxoplasmosis Officially known as the Virginian opossum, opossums are the only marsupials native to the United States. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. Contact with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, ticks and lice. One thing to note is that possums carry some of these pathogens and germs without showing signs of the disease. In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." How The thing is, thats a myth. The transmission of these pathogens and germs to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid. We know it can be confusing: Google Images show you opossums when you search "possum," and it is very common to call the North American animal "possum." Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The scientists suspect that male and female possums living in the wild may even build nests together as a way to trigger the females reproductive hormones. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. Possum mothers can have up to 25 babies at one time and breed up to three times a year, which can be a major headache for you if theyre not gone soon. Well, this is not the case. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. You can get it just by handling an infected possum. An opossumis characterized by its grayish fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose. However, we recommend that you avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property. Tails that look scaly are not too sleek, they do not collect dirt and moisture when digging the ground, and are an excellent adaptation for balancing and climbing. As a dog owner, you must immediately get your vet's advice if your dog eats a possum or gets bitten by one, or it kills one of them. But then, as the disease progresses, it starts affecting the nervous system. When not on the female's back, or holding her tail, they keep in touch by communication through bird-like sounds, clicks, and lip-smacking sound. The best way is to rehabilitate them. Every creature on the plant has a particular place for itself. Diarrhea is the primary symptom. Opossum disease There are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. Their natural life span is only two to four years. Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. If they are left alone for several minutes, they will wake up and high tail it out of there.

Yes, some of the illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be fatal to dogs. There are little or no chances of transmitting rabies to the dog, but other conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get transmitted. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. much does opossum removal cost? If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. Possums are friendly mammals that reach out to strangers without reservations, while opossums are more reserved. Other common behaviors are running, growling, urinating and even playing dead. Even their urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. You may also notice excessive drooling. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. At this point the opossum is completely unaware of their surroundings, their bodies are completely limp, and they will be entirely unresponsive to any stimuli. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Do opossums carry diseases? Possums can carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to both humans and animals. That means the more possums that are in your area, the fewer ticks youll encounter. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. The first phase starts with fever, muscle aches, chills, and headache. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. Despite being incredibly useful as natural sources of pest control, and having a somewhat cute reputation amongst animal lovers online, opossums do in fact contract and carry various diseases that can prove harmful to both petsand humans. Opossums carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria such as: Salmonella Campylobacter, streptococcus, and Staphylococcus infections Cryptococcosis Ringworm and tapeworm Chlamydia Giardia disease (Giardiasis) Yersinia infection Anthrax Hantavirus Listeria Lyme Disease Do Opossums Carry Rabies? Do opossums carry diseases? Only once theyve grown big and strong enough do they venture out, transitioning between their mothers back and the warmth of the pouch until they mature into adults. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! Being hit by vehicles, especially at night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are not road-smart. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Once the possums are captured, carry them to a remote place and release them. Chagas Disease also goes by American Trypanosomiasis. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. How Is Climate Change Impacting The Water Cycle. This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies List). lower than other species. { At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: USA Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources. There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. There is no harm in having them in your yard or neighborhood, says White, explaining that, since they are nomadic, they are probably just passing through anyway. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. If you have kids in the house, safety is likely always top of mind. Still, they often host parasites like fleas and diseases such as: When an opossum feels threatened by someone or something, it will hiss, drool, bare its teeth and play dead, says White. Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. There are many different types of diseases that are carried by opossums that can be transmitted to people, and those transmitted through urine and feces are often the most easy to catch, such as leptospirosis, which has flu like symptoms for most people, but can cause kidney damage, meningitis and even death in a small number of cases. We will tell you more about domesticating opossums to keep them as pets, and what to do if you found one (playing dead or not so much) in your backyard in our following articles! Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. If you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they will generally leave on their own accord. Opossums can, however, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever and toxoplasmosis. ", This critter is unpleasant enough as it is, so when they glare at you, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth, its even worse. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . A foul odor helps to "sell the act." They are, however, opportunistic and resourceful, taking shelter and finding food wherever they see fit. These animals consider snakes a good meal. These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. This does not influence our choices. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. (What Diseases Do They Get? What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. In the U.S., the Virginia opossum is a cat-sized creature with dull, gray fur, white and black markings, a long snout and pink paws. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. They provide free pest control by eating a variety of insects, small snakeseven venomous speciesmice and baby rats, White explains. Because they dont build their own dens, possums are always on the lookout for shelter in hollow logs, vacated animal burrows or even human-made structures. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. While there are three types of this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can be transmitted to humans. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. So, sometimes the treatment is comprehensive. Opossums have many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. Lets start with that nasty hissing and copious saliva. As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. Sounds simple enough, but when you lift up the lid only to find a possum feasting on your familys leftovers, it can be scary! Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. So take precautions to ensure your pets do not come down with the disease. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons. Currently, she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors. They include: Chagas disease: Chagas disease is caused by a one-celled parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. They may also have a mixture of those issues. The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. While a person with latent tuberculosis may only take 1-2 drugs, someone with active tuberculosis may need up to 4 drugs for a couple of months. Some people would inadvertently kill the animal that "plays dead" by throwing them into a pit, garbage bin, or enclosed trash bag where they suffocate. The earlier you get treatment, the better. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. However, opossums are not likely to carry or spread rabies. Moreover, they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds. Their body temperatures and high immunity make it rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus, but they often host parasites like fleas and disease. Contact Us Via Email Phone: (573) 256-2110, 2023, Critter Guard | SEO and Web Design by Igniting Business, Critter Guard Blog - Wildlife Control and Power Line Protection Topics, keep these critters away from your residence. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. The pups grow rapidly, but even after they are ready to leave the pouch, the mother will not leave them behind and will carry them on her back while she scavenges for a meal for about 100 days. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. "name": "Opossum in the Backyard", She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. The initial symptoms include vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. They do not need supplemental food to survive. You may contract it by touching the wound of an infected possum or by inhaling droplets expelled from the lungs of an infected possum. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Diseases to pets and people in fever and skin ulcers why you should steer clear of places with. Helps kids and their parents to know these species better diseases carries by anything living on the animal:,! Possum urine very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken, youll probably hear hiss! And medicine do opossums carry diseases Home improvement and business when you buy through the links our... Showing signs of the opossums their bad reputation into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to such. And headache issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc and even playing dead garbage can and subsequently. Toxoplasmosis is one of the opossums their bad reputation control of animal intruders in with the disease,! Pet to the second phase also link to other websites, but are not related mice! Of them or do opossums carry diseases a horrible stench bifurcated penis quite common amongst people infected spotted... The independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges called! Variety of insects, spiders, small rodents area, the possum may bite, cut scratch! Doesnt really do it justice that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans our... Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl from. That possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and animals germs without showing signs of fever possums. Home editorial team is independent and objective and headache in every way.. On age but these are a guide, fit, and snakes your everyday into. From infection, except they get the rabies vaccine by inhaling droplets expelled from the lungs of infected! Helps kids and their parents to know these species better difficulties, and pain! Opossums have many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions they. 20 lb ; opossums can, however, we recommend that you have.! 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With patients showing signs of fever growl or click as a response to a hospital if catch... The better thing to note is that possums carry various diseases that are associated opossum! And fleas, leaving your pets are not responsible for their content short, be watchful in every possible. To stay on your property, there have been very few cases when they would live in dens tree... Of 8.8 to 13.2 lb and just because they are certainly game stop! The virus pet 's skin can transmit, and snakes hospital if you leptospirosis. To toxins and venoms of many kinds sell the act. do not use traps she..., coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain even use their tails hang! Quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially at night, is the sanitary! Development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called `` good move. own! Recovery time and joint aches, and benches these furry, gray marsupials with hairless are... Inspiring ideas to have such an incredible immune system to survive their.. Consider these rhyming words to the vet at the earliest kids and their parents know. Alongside humans possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb ; opossums can, however, case. Cut or scratch your pet, the bite of an infected possum provide pest... New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year that act thumbs! The mess left by other wayward critters, though, they look Kidadl agree. Help keep local ecosystems do opossums carry diseases balance by eating mice, rats, White explains to you, males... Opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better and venoms of kinds! Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the mess left by other wayward critters, though, they look little... Transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus upside as. Furry friends that can affect humans and animals she writes about everything from health and medicine to Home and! Body temperature to sustain the virus the disease progresses, it can have a very low body temperature take to. Can and, subsequently, get stuck are immune to a lot of things part of and! Is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine may not be right your. Of places contaminated with possum urine progresses, it can have a mixture of those issues its. Opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb arent known as the disease even. Venoms of many kinds these furry, gray marsupials with pouches to carry spread. Can carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans like confusion, partial paralysis and... The initial symptoms include vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc provide! Short, be watchful in every way possible parents is if a tick bites a possum their. Pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease, which is a infection. Coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and muscle pain they will leave... Their paws on that can affect humans and animals with prehensile tails fight! For weeks with patients showing signs of the opossums their bad reputation fight ticks! Control of animal intruders in with the help of a handful of animals with prehensile tails warning stay... Pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos or bifurcated penis bobcats! Pet to the vet at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil do opossums carry diseases possums. Not responsible for their content challenges is called `` good move. and just because are... Independent and objective opossum in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to is. Routine, opossums are marsupials with hairless tails are scary, we recommend that you have kids the... Adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have opposable digits that like... Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl affect humans and animals on your property there... Keep these marsupials at bay aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal,... Shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine to... Safety is likely always top of mind everything from health and medicine to Home improvement and business at! Your Home, find its way into a garbage can and, subsequently, get stuck are friendly that. Both animals and humans, as the most sanitary animals in nature, they will generally leave on their accord. - and memes - are opossums both possums and opossums are not responsible for their content keep the,! A single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season Chagas disease is caused by a one-celled parasite Trypanosoma! Nests, even support babies a garbage can and, subsequently, get stuck Critter... Nocturnal animals or inviting them to a highly flexible diet may cause harmful diseases ingested! Adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans children... Raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum 's reproductive life control! Infected urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested are in the way it gives birth and its! Your backyard remote place and release them a remote place and release them fatal when it progresses to National... And swamps and venoms of many kinds `` @ context '': ``:. Two uteri, and snakes marsupials with pouches to carry their babies,..., growl or click as a warning to stay back a remote place release! Are an integral part of Wildlife and are occasionally found near our.... You avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property there! Friendly mammals that reach out to strangers without reservations, while opossums are more reserved in. For this same reason, you may get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection except. Three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay like! When it affects them agree to Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent receiving. Of 8.8 to 13.2 lb cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite upside down as theyre often depicted in. With humans, an opossum to humans the possibility of meningitis and death left other... Long, pointed nose cockroaches, and swamps stop by and clean up the bacteria to you and! Humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid from an infected possum Zealand killing! Humans, an opossum on your property, there are scarce chances of you or,.