Opossums

The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial found in North America and is a common sight in North Carolina. Key facts include:

Range: Native to North America, opossums are found throughout North Carolina and can adapt to various habitats, including forests, gardens, and urban areas.
Activity: Nocturnal, primarily active during the night while foraging for food.
Peak Activity: Most active during spring and summer when food is plentiful and young are weaned.
Mating: Breeding occurs in late winter to early spring; females can mate multiple times in a season.
Birth: After a gestation period of about 12 days, the young are born in a tiny, undeveloped state and continue to develop in the mother’s pouch for approximately 2-3 months.
Social Behavior: Generally solitary, except during mating season or when a mother is caring for her young.
Diet: Omnivorous, eating fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion, making them excellent scavengers.
Predators: Common predators include coyotes, foxes, owls, and larger snakes.

Interesting Facts:

Opossums are known for their ability to "play dead" as a defense mechanism against predators, entering a temporary state of shock.
They have a high resistance to rabies, making them less likely to carry the disease compared to other mammals.
Opossums have the unique ability to climb and are excellent foragers, often seen raiding gardens and trash cans.
Their prehensile tails are used for balance and support when climbing.

Humans may encounter challenges with opossums due to their natural behaviors:

Common Occurrences:

Raiding gardens or trash cans for food, which can lead to food waste and property mess.
Nesting under decks, sheds, or in attics, especially if they find accessible entry points.
Noise disturbances at night due to their foraging or movement.

Uncommon Occurrences:

Minor property damage from digging in gardens or tearing open trash bags.
Occasional aggression when cornered, although opossums are generally non-confrontational and prefer to flee.

It's important to recognize that opossums are typically attracted to human environments in search of food and shelter.

Issues with opossums can be addressed through various means:

DIY Solutions:

Secure trash cans: Use tightly fitting lids and store compost and food scraps in sealed containers to minimize attractants.
Remove food sources: Keep pet food indoors, clean up fallen fruits in gardens, and feed pets inside.
Seal entry points: Close off gaps and holes in crawl spaces, attics, and under decks to prevent nesting.
Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter opossums from entering your property.

Professional Wildlife Control: Seek expert assistance for:

Proper species identification and humane removal strategies.
Safe and humane trapping and relocation, especially if opossums are found in living spaces or yards.
Exclusion services to effectively seal potential entry points and reduce the chances of future encounters.
Home inspections to assess conditions that might be attracting opossums and provide tailored solutions.

Remember that opossums are generally harmless and contribute to the ecosystem by controlling pest populations, so humane solutions are advisable.