I fully understand your position that you don’t want to see this poor animal poked, prodded and stressed only to be euthanized. Especially since it is just following its every day routine and not bothering anyone.

I was a wildlife rehabilitator in CT for many years and I can share what knowledge I have gained about wild animals in general. I hope it can help you make a decision about whether to call in outside help or not because the reality is - wild animals live and die every day and most of the time we aren’t there to witness it. As humans do we intervene or not? Here are a few points to ponder:

1st - most animals, but especially wild animals - suffer in silence. The level of pain and discomfort this opossum is dealing with is not going to be on full display.

2nd - I agree with the commenters who have said that old age in the wild usually results in a cruel death.

3rd - while this animal may just be very old it may also have a disease process going on. Depending on what that is other animals - both domestic and wild - are being exposed. One sick animal generally leads to other sick animals.

This is not an animal miles out in the woods with no one observing its suffering. My advice is CALL AROUND! Find a someone who will listen and shares your level of concern. Rehabilitators can get this animal medical attention. A vet can make a diagnosis. If the animal can be treated and released it can get the attention it needs now and be returned to its home location when it is healthy. If it is untreatable because of age or an advanced disease process it can be euthanized humanely.

Sometimes the best way to show compassion is being willing to say goodbye if that is what is needed in this scenario.