Opossums are among the most misunderstood wild animals in North America. With their beady eyes, sharp teeth, and hissing growl, they often give homeowners a fright when discovered in the yard, under a deck, or inside an attic.
But while their appearance might be unsettling, opossums are rarely a serious threat to humans, and one of the biggest myths surrounding them is that they commonly carry rabies.
Although you don’t want an opossum dwelling in your space or on your property, it’s important to know what to do if it happens.
Contacting a wildlife removal company near you is the best and safest way to handle an opossum problem.
In the meantime, let’s set the record straight and look at the facts behind some common concerns
Myth: All Wild Animals Carry Rabies
Rabies is a dangerous virus that impacts the central nervous system. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. It’s transmitted through the saliva of infected carriers, most commonly through bites. While rabies is a serious risk with certain species, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, not all wild animals, including the opossum, are equally susceptible.
Compared to many other common nuisance animals, opossums have a very low risk of carrying rabies.
The Science: Why Opossums Rarely Get Rabies
Opossums are marsupials with a unique biology that helps protect them from certain infections, including rabies. Most notably, opossums have a lower body temperature than other mammals, typically between 94 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rabies virus thrives in warmer environments, and it’s believed that the opossum’s cooler body temperature makes it a less hospitable host. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed cases of rabid opossums are exceedingly rare.
Other Diseases to Be Aware Of
While rabies may not be a major concern with opossums, they can still pose health risks to humans and pets in other ways. Like many wild animals, opossums may carry:
● Fleas and ticks can transmit Lyme disease or other infections to pets and people.
● Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through urine-contaminated water or soil.
● Salmonella: Can be spread through contact with feces or contaminated surfaces.
● Tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis: Though less common, these are possible in some wildlife species.
So, while rabies may not be at the top of the list, it’s still important to treat opossums as wild animals and avoid close contact or attempts to trap them without proper precautions.
“Playing Dead” Isn’t Rabid Behavior
One reason opossums may be wrongly accused of having rabies is their distinct self-defense behavior known as “playing possum.” When threatened, an opossum may collapse, appear stiff, foam at the mouth, and remain motionless for several minutes. This involuntary response is meant to deter predators who lose interest in prey that appears to be already dead.
To someone unfamiliar with this behavior, it can easily be mistaken for a seizure or signs of illness—leading to false assumptions about rabies.
In reality, this is simply the opossum’s instinctive way of surviving an encounter with a perceived threat, not a sign of disease.
What Should You Do If You Encounter an Opossum?
If you find an opossum on your property—especially during daylight hours—it doesn’t automatically mean the animal is sick. Opossums are opportunistic feeders and may come out in the day if food is available, they’ve been disturbed, or they’re caring for young.
However, suppose the opossum appears disoriented, aggressive, or unusually lethargic or is found in a space that poses a risk to people or pets. In that case, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely assess the situation and remove the animal humanely and legally.
Prevention Tips
While opossums aren’t usually aggressive, you probably don’t want them nesting under your porch or raiding your trash cans. To minimize encounters:
● Secure trash bins with lockable lids.
● Eliminate outdoor food sources, including pet food or birdseed.
● Seal access points under decks, sheds, or crawlspaces.
● Trim back trees and branches that can access your roof or attic.
These simple steps help make your property less attractive to opossums—and other nuisance wildlife.
Need Help with an Opossum Problem?
Opossums may not be dangerous in most cases, but that doesn’t mean you want them setting up camp near your home. If you’re dealing with an unwanted opossum or suspect they’re nesting on your property, Critter Evictors in Scottsdale can help. Our trained wildlife control professionals offer safe, humane opossum removal throughout Maricopa County and can help you secure your home to prevent future infestations.
Contact Critter Evictors today for fast, effective opossum and wildlife removal services and peace of mind—without the myths.