OPOSSUMS               

IDENTIFICATION:  Opossums are grayish animals with a long pointy face, pink nose, black eyes, rounded hairless ears, and a long hairless tail.  Often times they are mistaken for large rats.  Total length is 24-33 inches with adults weighing from 6-14 pounds. 

BEHAVIOR:  Opossums are found throughout the state of Illinois.  They are slow moving, nocturnal animals that live alone, covering a range of 10 to 50 acres in size.  They are omnivorous (eating both plant and animal foods) and will feed on almost any food they come in contact with including pet food left outside, seed from bird feeders, vegetables from gardens, fruit growing on trees, or food accessible in garbage cans. 

DAMAGE CONCERNS:  The most common dens for opossums are under cement stairs or foundations, sheds, decks, open garages, and other structures.  They have also been known to take up residence in attics although this is a rare occurrence.  Because opossums do not run when confronted with danger they become more likely to inflict bites.  It is quite common for a opossum to show its teeth, growl, hiss, and drool rather than run from danger or humans.  That is why we urge a complete home inspection for recommendations to prevent unwanted animals from taking up residence in your home or business.  Please see PREVENTION for animal exclusion tips. 

REPRODUCTION:  Breeding season for opossums starts in early February.  Females will typically have 1 litter per year but some will have two.  Babies are born in late February after a 13-day gestation period.  The babies born from the second litter will be in July.  Male and female opossums do not pair up.  After mating the pair splits up going their own ways.  Opossums are the only North American marsupials.  Females have a pouch where up to 13 young are carried for 7 to 8 weeks.  The young will stay with the mother another 6 or 7 weeks until weaned.

DISEASES:  Opossums can carry parasites that can be harmful or transmitted to people, pets, or other animals.  Opossums can carry the RABIES virus but because of their low body temperature incidents are less frequent than in raccoons or skunks. 

Please remember that all wildlife in the State of Illinois is owned by the state unless the animal migrates.  If a wild animal migrates it is owned by the federal government.  A license is required to trap or remove wildlife.  If not using a licensed professional, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources should be contacted before personally attempting to deal with any wildlife.

T&C Trapping, Inc. offers complete home and business inspections that are guaranteed to help minimize any future animal problems or to help solve any existing wildlife conflicts.  We have over 16 years experience in installing animal prevention devices, trapping nuisance wildlife, and repairing homes due to animal damage.  Please feel free to contact us anytime for advice, instructions, or estimates.

815-467-4039

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