When an Opossum is unable to escape a threat they will “play dead”. They fall over, curl up into a ball, drool from their open mouth and excrete a nasty smelling liquid from their anal glands. This is not by choice, it is actually a state known as “tonic immobility” which is a physiological response to extreme stress. This state can last anywhere from mere minutes to as long as four hours. Usually the first signs that they are coming out of it is movement of their ears as they listen for any sounds of danger.

If you suspect an Opossum of “playing dead” make sure that they are in a safe area and monitor them for up to four hours, if you still aren’t sure contact your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitator for further advice.

The most common injuries to Opossums are car strikes, due to their being mostly nocturnal and slow moving, as well as attacks from predators such as Owls, Coyotes, Foxes, Dogs, Bobcats and house pets.

Trauma is evident by disorientation or confusion and/or an unsteady appearance. Medication will be needed to reduce brain swelling if the Opossum is to survive. Any other injuries to an Opossum will also require immediate professional help. Pick up the Opossum using a soft, non-raveling fabric, we like to use fleece, and place the Opossum in a cardboard box that you have punched ventilation holes into. Keep the Opossum in a quiet, dark room that is cool in the Summer or warm in the Winter. Contact your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitator or Vet Clinic immediately.

Opossums are British Columbia’s only marsupials: this means that they carry their young in a pouch. Baby Opossums stay in the pouch until they are two months old. Then, between the ages of two to four months, the mom will carry them on her back.

Because of how safe and snug the babies are in their mom’s pouch, often when a mother Opossum is killed, whether by car or predator, the babies will survive.

If you come across a dead Opossum, and it is safe for you to do so, it is a good idea to check for a pouch, which is located on the bottom half of her stomach. If a pouch is present, make sure to check it for babies.

If there are babies in her pouch do not remove them, place the deceased Opossum in a box and call your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or Vet Clinic immediately. Even though the mom has died and the babies appear lifeless, they can sometimes be revived.

Because the baby Opossums spend the ages of two to four months clinging to their mothers back, they can easily be orphaned just by falling off of her.

If you find an orphaned baby Opossum quickly get them into a ventilated cardboard box. Make them a soft nest out of a soft, non-raveling fabric to keep warm. Do NOT give them food, formula or water. If the baby is cold warm them by cupping them in your hands. Do NOT attempt to warm them using any artificial means. Doing these things incorrectly will often result in the baby’s death.

Once the baby is safely in a box, call your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or Vet Clinic as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence.