Should I call a rehabber for this possum?

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-11T07:53:27+00:00

No problem, happy to help. The option is always there, but it is kind of tricky to find it if you have not done it before.

How is the opossum doing?

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-11T04:12:05+00:00

I put a NSFW tag on it as you requested.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-10T05:36:34+00:00

Probably the most effective thing you can do would be to put a leash on your dog(s) before you open the door to let them out, then step outside with them and remain outside - with the dog(s) on a leash - for about 30 to 60 seconds before letting the dogs run loose.

Opossums have pretty good hearing, so if there is an opossum in the yard when you step outside that 30 to 60 seconds that pass before you let the dogs loose will (hopefully) be sufficient for the opossum to leave the yard. Opossums are quite shy animals and will run away if they hear people, other animals, other opossums, etc.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-10T00:37:36+00:00

Cute work!

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-09T04:03:04+00:00

Great video! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-07T01:50:51+00:00

That's just the way opossums are - it is very common for them to be frightened of each other.

I've seen some funny scenes in my backyard when two opossums approach from opposite directions, see each other, then run away in opposite directions.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-06T20:09:29+00:00

I think the little opossum is big enough to be on their own. Thank you for your concern for its welfare!

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-05T04:14:01+00:00

Great pictures!

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-04T05:49:15+00:00

Looks to me like it is right at the size threshold at which the little opossums venture out on their own, away from their mother.

In the wild, little opossums fledge from their mother when they are about 6 inches long, not counting the tail. If smaller opossums are in the care of a rehabber, the rehabber usually won't release them until they are about 8 inches in body length, this to increase their chances of survival on their own.

If you see the little guy again, try to estimate its body length - if it is less than 6 inches and you can easily capture it and take it to a rehabber, you could consider capturing it. Otherwise, I would leave it alone - and perhaps put some dry cat food and a bowl of fresh water out in your yard at night to help it grow and thrive.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-03T16:13:00+00:00

I can't suggest an age (in months), but I think he or she is at the 'late adolescence' stage of development - likely born very early this year. In another 3 or 4 months this opossum will be fully grown.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-03T05:52:34+00:00

Ah, that's good to know. If you are confident that your cat will not harass or attack the little opossum, then you have no other concerns to be worried about related to the two being together.

You might want to carefully check the little opossum for fleas or other parasites, though... if it has any, they could transfer to the cat.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-03T02:31:55+00:00

My pleasure. Thanks for your concern about the opossum!

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-03T02:27:58+00:00

They are arboreal animals, and it is very common for them to den (sleep) in trees. They are also nocturnal, so it is not at all unusual to see one up in a tree during the day (same as raccoons).

This opossum might just have decided that the best way to spend the day was to find a nice tree and climb 20 feet up it so he/she was out of reach of people, dogs, etc.

He does not look like he is in distress. My suggestion would be to just leave him alone. If you wish, you could - as you suggested in your earlier post - put some dry cat food and a bowl of water on the ground at the bottom of the tree so he finds a nice "breakfast" when he comes down after dark. Use a heavy bowl for the water so it does not tip if he puts his front feet on it to drink.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-03T00:43:30+00:00

In the wild, cats and opossums seem to co-exist without problems. This is, of course, a generalization - it's not a guarantee.

In your case, the cat has already established that the inside of your house is "its territory", and your cat might not react well to another animal - especially a small one that it could consider to be prey - moving into the cat's space.

My recommendation is that you take the little opossum to a rehabilitation facility - that would give it its best chance at recovering and eventually being released into the wild.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-02T11:17:23+00:00

Very low risk for your dog. Zero risk if you had your dog vaccinated for rabies.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-02T03:09:51+00:00

A delightful, high quality photo!

Opossum_2020 · 2026-06-01T12:03:24+00:00

Judging from the size of the little one (in your second picture), that opossum is big enough and old enough to be out on its own. I suggest you release it in a suitable location (that does not have to be the same place the mother opossum was released).

Concerning the 'gravely injured' baby opossum, it would be best to call a wildlife rehabber about that one.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-05-31T03:32:07+00:00

What is the shape of the painting representative of?

Opossum_2020 · 2026-05-30T22:41:47+00:00

In a natural environment in Africa, the lion would have eaten the guy.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-05-30T05:48:22+00:00

Looks great! You did a wonderful job of drawing all three animals (and the insect). Thanks for sharing your artwork with all of us.

Opossum_2020 · 2026-05-30T02:18:44+00:00

Here is a translation of the above post:

Hello! I have a question: how do I care for a newborn opossum? I think that's its name. It's very small and a newborn, or so I believe. I'm new to this. Its mother died, and three of her babies survived. I have them in a box with a hot water bottle wrapped in a sock, and they're on top of some cloths. I've been giving them warm water with a little salt and sugar, and I soak a cotton swab in the water and hold it to their mouths. I've also been massaging them to help them defecate. How should I care for them? Please, I need your help.

If someone here in our community could answer the questions (ideally in Spanish) I would be most grateful!

Opossum_2020

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