Found An Opossum?
Finding a young opossum alone is different from most wildlife situations – mother opossums do not return for their young. If you’ve found one, acting promptly is the right call.
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Never handle wildlife without gloves, and only do so if you feel comfortable.
If the animal is injured or has had contact with people or pets, please call right away.
Found an Opossum?
What You Need to Know Right Away
Quick Steps to Help
With opossums, there is no reunion process — every baby that needs help needs it now. Check the size first, then follow the right steps below.
Too small to survive alone — call us immediately.
Measure nose to base of tail (do not include the tail). Under 7 inches means this animal is too young to survive on its own and needs professional care right away.
- Use gloves or a cloth. Even small opossums can scratch. Only handle if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Place in a small box. Line with a soft towel and keep it contained in a warm, quiet area away from pets and noise.
- Provide warmth. Fill a cotton sock with uncooked rice, microwave 2 minutes, wrap in cloth, place alongside — not under — the animal. Never use an electric heating pad directly on the animal. See warming guide →
- Take a photo if you can. A photo helps our team assess age and condition before you arrive.
- Call us immediately. Do not offer food or water of any kind.
Large enough to be on its own — but still keep an eye out.
An opossum over 7 inches (nose to base of tail) is typically old enough to fend for itself. In most cases, it does not need intervention — but there are exceptions.
- Observe from a distance. Is it moving normally? Alert and responsive? If yes, it is likely fine and does not need help.
- Check for obvious injury. Limping, bleeding, labored breathing, or inability to move are signs it needs care.
- Is it playing 'possum? Opossums enter an involuntary catatonic state when overwhelmed. Give it space and time — it will often recover and move on.
- If it appears injured or doesn't move on, place it gently in a box and call us for guidance.
Did You Know
Quick Opossum Facts
🦷 Don't Let the Teeth Fool You
Opossums may hiss and show their 50 sharp teeth, but they’re actually one of nature’s gentlest creatures. When truly overwhelmed, they slip into an involuntary shock-like state known as “playing ‘possum.”
🌎 North America's Only Marsupial
Just like kangaroos, opossum mothers carry their babies in a pouch for 2–3 months, then lovingly piggyback them for another 1–2 months as they learn to explore the world together.
🧹 Nature's Little Clean-Up Crew
Opossums are omnivores that eat insects, snails, rodents, overripe fruit, carrion, and more. Their varied diet plays an important role in keeping our ecosystems clean and balanced.
🌳 Clever Climbers, Short Lives
These nocturnal animals make their homes wherever food, water, and shelter exist. Their prehensile tail helps them climb trees with ease — though they don’t actually hang from it. Opossums typically only live a few years in the wild.
Your compassion makes healing possible
Every rescue and second chance begins with caring people like you. Your support helps provide medical care, safe rehabilitation, and the time wildlife needs to heal and return to the wild where they belong.
Together, we can protect and care for the wildlife that shares our community.