Ever wondered why opossums almost never get rabies? It really comes down to one key thing: their body temperature runs lower than most mammals, so the rabies virus just can’t survive inside them. This cooler environment makes it tough—nearly impossible, honestly—for the virus to grow or spread in opossums.
Opossums might not win any beauty contests, but they actually help your yard stay healthier. Since they almost never carry rabies, you don’t really have to worry if you see one waddling around. Plus, they eat loads of ticks, which helps protect you from other nasty diseases.
When you know why opossums stay mostly safe from rabies, you might start seeing them differently. Maybe you’ll even appreciate how these oddball animals quietly help your neighborhood out. If you want more details about how their cool body temperature works, check out NPS.
Why Rabies Virus Rarely Infects Opossums
Opossums have a few special traits that make it tough for the rabies virus to survive inside them. The virus needs certain conditions, but opossums just don’t provide them. If you look at how opossums and the rabies virus interact, it’s pretty clear why these animals almost never get infected.
Unique Body Temperature in Opossums
A big reason rabies rarely infects opossums is their lower body temperature. While most mammals sit around 37°C (98.6°F), opossums usually hang out between 34.4°C and 36.1°C (94–97°F). That’s just not warm enough for the rabies virus to thrive.
Their cooler body temperature acts as a natural shield. The virus can’t multiply well, so it fizzles out before it causes trouble.
Opossums also have a metabolism that keeps them cool. Their whole body just isn’t a great place for the rabies virus to set up shop.
The Biology of Rabies Virus Survival
The rabies virus likes a warm, steady environment so it can invade nerve cells and multiply. It attaches to nerve cells and slowly moves through the nervous system before causing symptoms.
If the host’s body temperature is too low, the virus struggles to move and multiply. This slows down infection and makes it tough for the virus to survive inside the animal.
On top of that, the virus has to hide from the immune system quickly. Opossums’ bodies, with their lower temperature, make it even harder for the virus to stay hidden.
Comparing Opossums to Other Mammals
Most mammals—think dogs, bats, raccoons—have higher body temperatures, usually near 37°C or even higher. That makes it easier for rabies to infect and spread in them.
Opossums are a bit of an oddball here. Their body temperature is low for a mammal, and their immune system works differently too. That might give them an extra edge against infection.
While lots of animals can carry and spread rabies, opossums almost never do. Their bodies just aren’t a good place for rabies to survive.
It’s not totally impossible for an opossum to get rabies, but it’s super rare. Usually, the virus just can’t get a foothold because of all these factors.
If you’re curious about opossum immunity and rabies, take a look at why are opossums immune to rabies.
Opossum Behavior, Risks, and Coexistence
Opossums are pretty shy and usually try to steer clear of people. They’re helpful for pest control, eating things like ticks and even snakes, but sometimes they’ll poke around your trash if they’re hungry. If you know how to handle them safely, and understand their risks, you can live alongside them without much trouble.
How to Get Rid of Opossums Safely
If you’ve got an opossum hanging around, you can nudge it to leave without hurting it. Start by locking up your trash and not leaving pet food outside.
Clear away brush piles and wood stacks—opossums love to hide in those spots.
Don’t try to handle or trap them yourself. They might bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Instead, use gentle methods like fencing or sealing up any spots where they can sneak into your attic or shed.
Skip the poisons and dangerous traps. Those can hurt pets and other wild animals. If you need help, call animal control or a wildlife expert—here’s a good resource for learning how to get rid of opossums safely.
Disease Transmission and Human Interaction
Opossums almost never spread rabies because their body temperature is too low for the virus to survive. Still, it’s smart to avoid touching them.
They can carry other germs, like the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, so it’s best to keep your distance. If you see an opossum acting weird—super aggressive or just barely moving—call animal control.
Opossums aren’t naturally aggressive. If they’re scared, they’ll usually just play dead (“playing possum”) instead of fighting back. As long as you leave them alone, they’ll probably wander off on their own.
Opossums vs. Possums: Key Differences
People mix up opossums and possums all the time, but honestly, they’re not the same at all. Opossums live in North America, while possums mostly hang out in Australia and nearby islands.
You’ll notice opossums have a bare tail and a hairless face. They usually come out at night. Possums, on the other hand, have bushier tails and much furrier faces.
If you know these differences, you can figure out which animal you’re actually seeing. That’s pretty important if you’re trying to get advice on what to do about them.
Getting rid of opossums isn’t really the same as dealing with possums elsewhere. So, it makes sense to check which one you’ve got before you act.
