Opossums
Appearance
- Most are gray, but some are black or brown
- Pink nose
- Black eyes
- Bluish-black ears
- Gray, hairless tail
- Pink / white feet and toes
- Adults range in length from 24 to 34 inches and weigh from four to 15 pounds
Encounters
They are not aggressive and flee when pursued. One of their common defenses is playing dead. The frightened animal rolls over, becomes limp, and shuts its eyes, coming back to life at the first opportunity to escape
If you come across an opossum on your property or on hikes, leave it alone. It will go away when you vacate the area. If it appears sick and remains in your area for several hours, notify the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control at (626) 962-3577.
If you come across an opossum on your property or on hikes, leave it alone. It will go away when you vacate the area. If it appears sick and remains in your area for several hours, notify the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control at (626) 962-3577.
Habitats
They have both urban and suburban habitats. Sometimes they get into basements, attics, sheds, and garages.
Parasites and Disease
Opossums are known to host parasites and spread diseases such as:
- Mites
- Ticks
- Lice
- Fleas
- Roundworms
- Flukes
- Tapeworms
- Fungal diseases
- Bacterial diseases
- Viral diseases