Opossums are those nocturnal marsupials you might see rummaging around after dark. They look kind of intimidating sometimes, with their sharp teeth and all that hissing, but honestly, they’re usually pretty shy and would rather just avoid you.
It’s natural to wonder if these little guys could get aggressive, especially if one suddenly appears near your house.
Opossums don’t act aggressively by nature. They rarely attack unless they feel super threatened or totally cornered. When they’re scared, you’ll see them hiss or bare their teeth to look tough, but usually, they’d rather just run off or flop over and play dead.
If you spot an opossum at night, it’s probably just looking for a snack or a safe place to hide. These animals actually help out by eating pests and insects. If you know when and why they might get defensive, you can avoid problems for both you and the opossum. You can read more about their behavior and safety tips right here: information on opossums and aggression.
Aggressive Behavior in Opossums
Opossums mostly act shy. You won’t see them acting truly aggressive very often.
Instead, they’ve got a few tricks to protect themselves if they feel threatened. Knowing this helps set your expectations if you ever cross paths with one.
Typical Temperament and Defensive Reactions
Opossums usually keep calm and try to avoid trouble. They’re marsupials, which means they carry their babies in pouches.
If someone disturbs them, they’ll usually try to run off. When escape isn’t an option, they might hiss, growl, or show their teeth to look scarier.
One of the weirdest things they do is “play possum.” They’ll flop over, lie still, close their eyes, and even drool a little. Predators often lose interest and wander off.
This reaction just happens—they don’t really control it. Sometimes it lasts a few minutes, sometimes much longer.
You really don’t need to worry about opossums attacking. They rarely bite, and only do so if they feel trapped.
When Opossums May Become Aggressive
Opossums might act aggressive if they feel trapped or threatened. If you surprise them or try to pick them up, they could hiss, growl, or snap their jaws.
A sick or injured opossum can also act out. If you see one acting strange, it’s best to stay back.
Getting too close only stresses them out and increases the risk of bites or scratches.
If you have an aggressive opossum in your yard, call animal control. They know how to handle it safely.
Misconceptions About Opossum Aggression
A lot of people think opossums are dangerous or mean, but that’s just not true. They’re shy and want nothing to do with people.
When an opossum hisses or shows its teeth, it’s usually just trying to scare you off. It’s all for show.
Opossums hardly ever carry rabies because their body temperature is too low for the virus. So, they’re not really a big health risk to you or your pets.
They’re actually part of nature’s cleanup crew. By eating insects, ticks, and other pests, they help keep things in balance.
If you know this, maybe you’ll see them a little differently.
For more on opossum behavior, check out What to do with an opossum that is behaving strangely or aggressively.
Health and Safety Risks Associated With Opossums
Opossums seem pretty harmless, but they do carry some health risks you should know about. They can spread certain diseases and parasites that could affect you or your pets.
It’s good to understand these risks so you can keep your home and family safe.
Disease Transmission and Parasites
Opossums can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. These can harm both people and animals.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that you can get from opossum urine or contaminated water. Tuberculosis is less common, but it’s still a risk around wild animals.
Toxoplasmosis mostly affects pets, and opossums can spread it through their feces.
They also pick up parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. These bugs can jump to your pets and make them sick or uncomfortable. Fleas, for example, can carry other diseases or cause allergic reactions.
If you keep your pets free of parasites, it helps stop these pests from spreading from opossums to your house.
Risks to Pets and Humans
Opossums probably won’t attack, but if they feel cornered or scared, they could bite or scratch. Those injuries can get infected and might need a doctor’s attention.
The bigger risk comes from the parasites and diseases opossums carry.
Pets like dogs and cats can pick up fleas or diseases such as Leptospira from opossums. Horses can get a disease called Sarcocystis neurona, which can cause neurological issues.
For people, it’s best to avoid direct contact with opossums. That way, you lower your chances of catching anything nasty.
Managing Opossums Around Homes and Pets
If you want to keep opossums away, start by locking up your trash cans with tight lids. Bring pet food inside at night—opossums love an easy meal.
Pick up any fallen fruit from your yard. Get rid of brush piles where these critters might hide. You might want to put up fencing or mesh around your deck, shed, or garden to stop them from settling in.
When opossums start causing trouble, you can call in professional wildlife control or pest control services. These folks will remove the animals safely and help you seal up spots so they can’t come back.
That way, you’re looking out for your family, your pets, and even the opossums themselves—no harm done.
Want more details on opossum risks and how to handle them? Check out Are Opossums Dangerous? – Critter Control.
