Self-Help
Opossums
Opossum coming up to house
Opossums will continue to come up to a house or porch where food is set out for other animals. The food must be brought in and the routine changed for at least a week or longer before the opossum will stop depending on the site as a food stop. Opossums are very docile creatures and will not run away when approached. They usually freeze and will hiss at you to scare you off, or they will "play dead." Often you can shoo opossums away with a broom or long stick.
DO NOT try to touch the animal without any source of protection. Do not attempt anything you feel uncomfortable doing when dealing with wildlife.
Opossum out during the day
Opossums are normally nocturnal but sometimes they are out during the day; they may have been scared from their sleeping or are hungry. They will not attack a person. They are more afraid of you than you are of them. Opossums are not aggressive, preferring to flee, or, when cornered, will back up, show their teeth and growl.
Click on Opossums to see more information about this animal.