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Wildlife experts share advice as the end of opossum breeding season nears

pixabay.com

Eastern Kentuckians are advised to watch out for baby opossums this time of year. The animals, - sometimes mistakenly called possums - are North America’s only marsupial, meaning they carry their young in a pouch. As the end of the opossum breeding season nears, babies - who nurse for two months in their mother’s pouch - will be seen for several more weeks this fall. Dr. Kate Webb, Veterinarian with Country Hills Veterinary Hospital, said it is important to not disturb young opossums that are with their mothers.

“One of the things that we want to make sure that we don’t do is interrupt that bond between the mother and the child. So, if we see one with its mom, it is very much okay, leave them be, don’t mess with them,” said Webb. “If we do see one that is orphaned and kind of watch it for a little bit, don’t immediately grab it and try to intervene. The best thing to do is call a veterinary clinic who can probably get you in touch with a rehabber and have them on hand.”

While seeing a baby opossum separated from its’ mom isn’t an uncommon sight, it is best to confirm that the mother is dead before attempting to rescue the baby.

Webb added that while they may seem scary at first glance, there is little to fear. Webb said common wildlife fears are not a concern with opossums.

“There’s just a stigma that opossums can carry rabies, that is absolutely not true. Their body temperature never reaches the appropriate temperature where they can actually begin to grow rabies. So, you don’t have any risk of catching that from them. They are actually quite clean animals, so they are pretty safe. They may just hiss at you a little bit, and a lot of times they’re just more terrified of you, they’re not necessarily aggressive,” said Webb.

Webb said one of the best ways to limit potential opossum interactions is by not feeding them close to a residence. While feeding them in general is not a bad idea, they will likely begin to recognize where they are fed as a safe place and may bring their babies with them. Anyone who sees an abandoned baby opossum is advised to wait and see if the mother returns.