Opossums probably aren’t the first animals that come to mind when you think about affection. Still, they’ve got some pretty unique ways of showing their feelings. If you’ve ever wondered how these shy little creatures show love, their gentle behavior might just surprise you.
Opossums show affection by gently nibbling, touching, and rubbing their scent on people or things they care about.
When an opossum feels safe around you, it might give you tiny, soft bites—think of them as love nibbles, not anything painful. They also like to hold on tight and rub up against you, leaving their scent as if to say, “Hey, you’re part of my world now.”
These small acts help them bond and show trust. It’s kind of sweet, honestly.
Understanding how opossums express affection can really change the way you see them. Whether you meet one in the wild or care for one as a rescue pet, knowing their behavior helps you appreciate their quiet, caring side.
Want to see it in action? Check out this video of a rescued opossum showering its human mom with kisses.
How Opossums Show Affection
Opossums show their feelings in some pretty unique ways. They use touch, scent, soft sounds, and close contact to let you know they care.
When you spend time with one, you’ll notice little things that mean affection and trust. Sometimes it takes a bit to pick up on these signs.
Slubbing: Rubbing and Licking as Affection
One of the most common ways opossums show affection is through slubbing. This is when they rub and lick you or objects, leaving their scent behind.
It’s their way of saying, “You’re important to me” or “I trust you.” It’s not just about marking territory—it’s about closeness.
When an opossum slubs your hand or face, it shows comfort and love. You might feel a bit of gentle licking or nuzzling.
Even though they have sharp teeth, they usually use soft bites to show affection, not to hurt you. Slubbing helps build a bond between you and the opossum.
It’s kind of like a hug or kiss in their own language. When you see this, you know your opossum feels at home.
Vocalizations and Body Language
Opossums often use soft sounds and body movements to show affection. You might hear gentle clicking or tiny grunts.
These sounds are pretty calm and friendly. Their body language is easy to spot if you pay attention.
When comfortable, opossums will slowly close their eyes or rest their heads on you. Sometimes they wrap their tails around your finger or grab your clothes with their tiny paws.
These are all signs they feel safe and happy. Opossums don’t make loud noises to show affection.
Instead, their quiet sounds and relaxed posture let you know they trust you and like having you around.
Bonding and Recognition Behaviors
Opossums can recognize people they trust and show loyalty in their own way. When you care for one, it might follow you, climb on you, or snuggle close.
This means they see you as family. Sometimes, after exploring outside, your opossum will hurry back to you.
They do this because only you give them that sense of safety and comfort. Opossums also gently rub their faces against you, showing they remember and trust you.
These bonding actions take time to develop. If your opossum reaches out for contact, you’ve definitely earned their friendship.
Learn more about slubbing and affectionate behaviors here: Slubbing – when an opossum marks their territory by rubbing their scent
Social Interactions and Family Life
Opossums have their own ways of showing affection within their families. You’ll notice their bonds through gentle touches and staying close together.
This helps protect and comfort the young, and keeps the family connected. It’s pretty endearing if you ever get to witness it.
Affection in Mother and Baby Opossums
Mother opossums really care for their babies. The little ones ride on their mother’s back or stay tucked safely in her pouch.
You might see the mother grooming her young, keeping them clean and comfortable. The babies count on her for warmth and protection, especially in those early weeks.
She holds them close, and that physical contact helps keep their bond strong. For marsupials like opossums, touch is a big part of how they show love.
Female Opossums’ Care Behaviors
Female opossums stay super attentive to their babies. They clean them often and use soft nudges or gentle bites to guide them.
These little love bites don’t hurt—they’re just signs of affection. You’ll see mothers keeping a close eye on their babies and responding quickly to their calls.
This careful attention shows just how important family is to a female opossum. She works hard to keep her young safe.
Affection Among Siblings and Groups
Baby opossums hang out with their siblings a lot. They’ll cuddle together for warmth and safety, and honestly, that builds a pretty strong sense of trust.
Even when these little guys start wandering off on their own, they usually come back to their group for a bit of companionship.
You’ll notice social touches too—sometimes a gentle nibble or a quick hug with their tiny paws. These moments help the young opossums feel safe.
Opossums might seem solitary, but family groups actually depend on affection to get through the night. That bond really matters for their well-being.
Curious about how opossums show affection in their social lives? Check out The Surprisingly Social Loner and Understanding and appreciating opossums and their behavior.
