Ever spot an opossum and wonder if it could give you rabies? You’re definitely not alone. A lot of folks think opossums can’t get rabies because their body temperature runs low. But honestly, opossums can get rabies—it’s just super rare.
Opossums tend to be shy and usually steer clear of people. That’s probably why rabies cases in them almost never happen.
Their low body temperature might make life tough for the virus, but it doesn’t make them totally immune.
Knowing this can help you stay safe and figure out what to do if you ever catch an opossum acting weird. Getting the facts about rabies in opossums clears up a lot of myths and might help you relax when you see one hanging around.
Can Opossums Get Rabies?
Opossums can catch rabies, but it almost never happens. Their body temperature and habits make it tough for the rabies virus to survive.
Still, if an opossum does get rabies, you’ll notice clear symptoms. The disease can spread to pets or people through bites or scratches.
Why Rabies in Opossums Is Rare
Opossums rarely get rabies because their body temperature runs cooler than most other mammals. The rabies virus likes it warmer, so it can’t really thrive in opossums.
Plus, opossums usually don’t survive run-ins with rabid animals like bats or dogs. That alone drops their risk of catching rabies.
Sometimes, cases pop up when opossums live near bats, since bats can carry rabies.
A baby opossum barely faces any risk since it mostly stays tucked away in its mom’s pouch. As it grows and starts exploring, the risk goes up a little, but not by much.
Symptoms of Rabid Opossums
A rabid opossum will act oddly. You might see one wandering around in daylight, or it could look weak and confused.
Rabid opossums usually show one of two forms:
- Paralytic: It might look paralyzed, especially in its legs or face.
- Furious: You could see it acting aggressive and trying to bite.
Other things to look for are drooling, stumbling, or even seizures. Since opossums are normally shy and slow, if you see one acting aggressive, that’s a big red flag.
How Rabies Is Transmitted
Rabies usually spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal. If a rabid bat or dog bites an opossum, it can get rabies that way.
Bats are the most common culprit for spreading rabies to city opossums.
The virus travels through saliva and gets into the body that way. Once inside, it heads for the brain and causes serious symptoms before death.
Rabies doesn’t spread through the air or by just touching an animal.
Never touch a wild opossum that’s acting off. If you find a baby opossum alone, don’t handle it unless you get advice from a wildlife expert.
Risks to Pets and Humans
Rabid opossums can pass rabies to pets, and rarely, to people too. Pets face the highest risk if they mess with opossums outdoors.
This is especially true for cats and dogs that roam outside.
Keep your pets’ rabies shots up to date. Don’t let them chase or bite opossums.
If a wild animal bites your pet, take it to the vet right away.
Humans can get rabies if a rabid opossum bites or scratches them. Without fast treatment, rabies is almost always deadly.
If you see a wild opossum acting strange, stay away and call animal control.
How to Prevent Rabies Exposure from Opossums
Taking simple steps to keep opossums away from your place and handling them safely lowers your chances of any rabies risk. Sometimes you just need to call in the experts for help.
Avoiding Attracting Opossums to Your Property
Start by getting rid of easy food sources. Lock up your garbage cans and don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
Keep compost bins closed tight so opossums can’t get in.
Trim tree branches near your roof and seal up any holes in walls, roofs, or porches. That way, opossums can’t sneak in for shelter.
Try motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare them off at night. Some people use ammonia-soaked rags near entry points, which can keep them away without hurting them.
Safe Opossum Removal Practices
If an opossum is causing trouble, don’t try to handle it with your bare hands. Use gloves and tools to avoid getting bitten, especially if the animal looks sick or scared.
If you set a trap, check it often. Fresh fruit or veggies work well as bait.
After you catch one, release it at least five miles away from your home, somewhere with water and trees.
Never touch an opossum that acts aggressive or confused—those could be signs of rabies. If you see this, call animal control and let the pros handle it.
When to Seek Professional Help
If opossums just keep showing up or you don’t feel confident about removing them safely, go ahead and reach out to wildlife control services.
The pros know how to trap and relocate opossums without harming them.
They’ll also check your home for any sneaky entry points you might’ve missed.
You’ll probably get some helpful advice on how to possum-proof your place for good.
If you or your pet has tangled with a possum that seems sick, get medical advice right away.
A professional can talk you through rabies risks and what to do about vaccines.
For removal you can actually count on, it’s probably smartest to call us or shoot an email to folks who know how to handle these critters.
