A possum has only two lines of defense– either it will attack or play dead. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. Possum Pets offers the best range of products specialist advice & information. These creatures steal chickens. Pests in terms of the diseases they spread to people and pets include TB, leptospirosis, coccidiosis, tularemia, spotted fever and other diseases. If you have the knowledge, experience, time and finances to provide him with a good home, you might be able to adopt him. It is around the size of a medium level dog, has 50 sharp teeth and claws that open the toughest skins. Posted: (1 days ago) Possums as pets dangers The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Some are capable of surviving on their own, while others aren’t. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Question: Are possums legal to own as pets in Florida? They do not ONLY play dead or attack. In captivity, they can live twice as long if they receive proper nutrition and care from a qualified keeper. Like any other animal, Opossums need specialized medical attention. Lv 7. When possums become problematic, they forage near commercial and residential areas after nesting. A single possum can eat more than 60 Powelliphanta per night! He also dines on rats, mice and roadkill. People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. Before considering acquiring one as a pet learn all you can about their care. November 18, 2016 December 10, 2016 - by Max Hubert. Cats are also very clean animals and they can also be tick and flea carriers. University of Missouri: The Opossum -- Its Amazing Story, The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory: Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator, Opossum Society of the United States: Opossum General Information, How to Stop Your Dog From Marking Indoors, How to Keep Your Pets From Overheating in the Summer. In this AnimalWised article, we will explore if possums are dangerous to humans or pets. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in captivity. At first, the animal can adapt to living with people. They usually breed between the months of May and June. More than ANY mammal in north america... 4 FouR sharp pointy k9~fangs w\TeN"10 upper incisors" No other mammal in North America has more than 6!! Pets of the Homeless is the only national animal organization focused totally on feeding and supplying emergency veterinary care to pets of the homeless. However, they also can become ill quickly from the stress of captivity, lack of exercise and a limited diet, and you might find yourself investing emotion, time and money in an animal who doesn't survive long. In fact, these creatures can spread diseases and fleas to house pets. They regularly groom themselves, so they have very little to no ticks. Opossums have a very short lifespan, usually three years or less in the wild, where they have to contend with predators and cars. People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. Check out our prices and availability. For shelter, they use tree cavities, brush piles, the dens of other animals, and even attics, sheds, and garages. Possums As Pets. This animal is the size of a small cat with over 50 teeth. But they are found across the Western world. 0 0. kj. Possums attack pets or even humans with massively pointed teeth. possums are very vicious and cannot be tamed. Possums are nocturnal animals. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in captivity. Moreover, possums have to create a home somewhere, and if they choose your property, their nesting habits can cause damage in your yard, not to mention the waste these animals leave behind. When you are in the wild and cross a possum, the first thing that crosses your mind is whether it is a dangerous animal. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. This possum is the only marsupial that lives wild in the US. Where it can maul you. Because of their tendency to fight with others of their own species, they do best as solitary pets. How to Tell the Difference Between Cougar & Bobcat Prints. Possums are extremely gentle creatures and they are not aggressive in the least. If you want to read similar articles to Are Possums Dangerous to Humans or Pets?, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. There are two colour forms of the species - grey and black, with many vari… Being an unpredictable and active animal, … If you find a possum who can't be released and decide to keep him as a pet, immediately find a vet who's qualified to address his health problems. Opossum attacks are rare, but they do take place, which is why having a possum as a pet is not such a good idea. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. We normally don't have a problem with it. The possum has a thick, bushy tail, thick body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. Opossums that live longer than a year suffers from cataracts tend to be obese and lack coordination, in essence, the age way to fast. Researchers found that possums are better at remembering which runway led to a … Possums do not attack other pets normally; they only do so when they come in contact with the animals. When they are directly attacked, these creatures hiss and growl. Posted on August 14, 2017 by Mackenzie Martin. We have a climate controlled facility that houses only our animals.We are visited regularly by veterinarians, including Dr. David Brust, who is the President of the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians. In the wild, the possum is usually … • You can also fill a hot water bottle or drink bottle with warm tap water (not boiling) and wrap this She has rescued about 150 possums, and currently has 10 of them in her care. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. So, if the possum is threatened enough, it can get aggressive with negative results. Possums avoid confrontation with humans by playing dead. Like any other species, the possum is only offensive when attacked. As many posts on r/Opossums will be quick to inform you, possums should only be kept as pets when they require rehabilitative care and couldn’t survive on their own in the wild. Consider a North American Opossum For Your Next Pet - YouTube ANSWER: Can You Have a Possum as a Pet? Possums as pets dangers The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Opossums have impressive memories—at least when it comes to food. Such reasons make it possible for the possum to be a host for rabies. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish. Numerous individuals rush in only to find that they produced the wrong decision afterwards. Though possums are generally not associated with this disease, there is a possibility they may develop it. A Possible Threat: The Virginia/American possum, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, Why Is My Dog Bleeding From Its Anus? The omnivorous opossum eats a wide variety of food on his nightly rounds. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in … Over the Counter Heartworm Prevention for Dogs. They can also threaten livestock and crops of farmers. Sadly, she passed last year. In his 1915 guide to pets, Alpheus Hyatt Verrill, an American naturalist, lambasted the dog-maintaining habits of his day. I have had SEVERAL first hand encounters with possums and the most common response is hissing or growling. Research has shown that this is like a reflex action originating in the possum's brain, lasting from just a few minutes to an hour. Possums As Pets. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. It can be handled easily by people and is curious, active, and entertaining. A species of possum native to Australia and New Guinea, they have a stretchy membrane across their backs that lets them launch themselves and glide for up to 200ft. Possums are flexible and adapt easily to various habitats. The diet is varied including corn and poultry. An unappropriated diet can provoke grave issues for opossum health … It may even cuddle and form a relationship with you. Many people have enjoyed possums as exotic pets. Possums attack pets or even humans with massively pointed teeth. Horses are susceptible to a neurologic disease following exposure to possums, through the result of exposure to a protozoan Sarcocystis neurona. A major worry for the caretaker is the opossum’s diet and exercise. Possums cannot attack dogs and cats because of their sizes, however, Possums have been found to attack smaller rats, birds, and insects. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. possums as pets is not only illegal, its dangerous. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. A dead cat in the wild is greater than it rotting in your living space its whole life. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images. (Or fleas, etc.). If he can find cat or dog food, he’ll eat that, too. But, if they feel threatened enough, they can even attack. Other health concerns include genital and urinary infections, poor immune systems and bacterial illnesses. Posted on October 19, 2016 by Mackenzie Martin. Opossums do not spread ticks, fleas, etc. However, they are only aggressive when provoked. That said, in rare situations, possums will attack, specifically when they have to defend themselves much like any other species. Possums eat large native land snails like Wainuia, Powelliphanta and Placostylus, which include many rare species. Shape The World. Opossums can be encountered in the backyard and pose a threat to pets and humans. Can Leopard Geckos Eat Anything Other Than Bugs? The animal you are confused about, is called an opossum. Never has one attacked me, not even when I gently poked it with a broom because it got in our house and was under the sink . PoSSuMS have FiFTY 50→ TeeTH! Possums compete for nest sites with hole-nesting birds such as kiwi, parakeets and saddlebacks, and eat the eggs, nestlings and adults of native birds. We are a USDA breeder in Houston, TX and have over 15 years breeding experience. North America doesn't have possums. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING. Pests in terms of the diseases they spread to people and pets include TB, leptospirosis, coccidiosis, tularemia, spotted fever and other diseases. It is true that opossums are very clean and do eat many parasites which land on them. There is no excuse for pampering, constant fondling, dressing up in clothing, and other ridiculous customs,” he wrote. Share: This web page may be out of date. Opossums usually have numerous parasites that can cause disease and death, and females often get genital and urinary tract infections. It is always better to be safe than sorry and the potential threat does exist, as it will with any wild animal. Captive possums frequently have poor immune systems and are prone to bacterial illnesses. Question: What are some of the animals you don't need a permit for that may be considered exotic? 1 decade ago. This article is purely informative. they are hosts to many diseases and parasites, stay safe and get something else- im sure theres something in the animal kingdom that will satisfy you. Their natural defense mechanisms come into play when they are attacked. Purchasing a pet is anything that has to be well believed about. It's illegal to keep possums in captivity in Northland but possum lovers say they make "highly intelligent, lovely pets". Possums are also a threat to native wildlife such as Kiwis in New Zealand. If there is something you need for your dog, cat, bird, reptiles, fish or small animal we will get it for you. Possums are like kangaroos in that they carry their young ones in pouches – animals with this trait are referred to as marsupials. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? In general, it is not recommended to keep possums as pets. A poor diet can result in metabolic bone disease, which is expensive to treat and potentially fatal. Possums As Pets. They can be found in woods, open fields, swampy areas, and near streams. The short-tailed opossum can become friendly and docile. For one, they don’t live as long as other pets and certainly not as healthy. Opossum attacks are rare, but they do take place, which is why having a possum as a pet is not such a good idea. Opossums serve as host animals to ticks, lice, mites, and fleas. We have possums that come by every night. Once they're healthy, rehabilitated possums always should be released. Possums are generally regarded as pests when folks find them lurking in their yard or near their homes in the middle of the night. Possums are small mammals, mostly known in the American continent, which is the origin of invasive. Of course there was Heidi, a cross eyed opossum from Germany that was a great possum ambassador. Poultry such as ducks and turkeys are also at risk. How Long Is the Painted Turtle's Life Span in Captivity? Ask about these products at Better Pets and Gardens. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. The possum has a natural instinct to act dead while standing against more animals, especially humans. - Causes. Discourage possums from areas of the garden by spraying with bitter flavoured oils or try a ‘possum scaring owl’ as their massive eyes are said to scare possums away. Simply not true, they are laden with fleas, I have seen them first hand, so this is not rumor. Although many people have possums as pets, many others have invasions of those above in their homes. In fact, playing dead is a mode of defense that the opossum is traditionally associated with. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. A possum will go through a 17 day gestation period after which they’ll produce a single offspring. Possums and rabies do not go together, but an opossum has extremely aggressive habits including biting, scratching and clawing when agitated. Much like puppies, young opossums are very cute with the light colored fur and the cute pink nose, but while a puppy will grow up to be an attractive dog, opossums are not always quite on the same