While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. A possum will go through a 17 day gestation period after which theyâll produce a single offspring. Many vets don’t have the knowledge and experience to treat their health issues effectively. Possums are from Australia. Over the Counter Heartworm Prevention for Dogs. Possums are nocturnal animals. This possum is the only marsupial that lives wild in the US. Question: What are some of the animals you don't need a permit for that may be considered exotic? We sell short-tail possums online, delivered to an airport near you. Possums and rabies do not go together, but an opossum has extremely aggressive habits including biting, scratching and clawing when agitated. This puts cats and dogs at the risk of infection. Of course there was Heidi, a cross eyed opossum from Germany that was a great possum ambassador. Opossums have a very short lifespan, usually three years or less in the wild, where they have to contend with predators and cars. Possums As Pets. Can Leopard Geckos Eat Anything Other Than Bugs? Possums avoid confrontation with humans by playing dead. If there is something you need for your dog, cat, bird, reptiles, fish or small animal we will get it for you. We have possums that come by every night. A possum has only two lines of defense– either it will attack or play dead. Before considering acquiring one as a pet learn all you can about their care. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Researchers found that possums are better at remembering which runway led to a ⦠Possums are generally regarded as pests when folks find them lurking in their yard or near their homes in the middle of the night. Because possums are so regularly hit by cars or otherwise killed, there are many orphaned baby possums in the world. Many people have enjoyed possums as exotic pets. Stop calling them possums. Lv 7. they are hosts to many diseases and parasites, stay safe and get something else- im sure theres something in the animal kingdom that will satisfy you. Once they're healthy, rehabilitated possums always should be released. In fact, playing dead is a mode of defense that the opossum is traditionally associated with. This article is purely informative. https://www.animalwised.com/possums-as-pets-general-guidelines-and-tips-1401.html. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. by Jose Roberts January 12, 2017 0 2 Views. They can also threaten livestock and crops of farmers. It can be handled easily by people and is curious, active, and entertaining. It is around the size of a medium level dog, has 50 sharp teeth and claws that open the toughest skins. Cage mates will become aggressive and may eventually even kill each other. When they are directly attacked, these creatures hiss and growl. Possums as pets dangers The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. They scavenge for trash and eat the carcass of dead animals. November 18, 2016 December 10, 2016 - by Max Hubert. The omnivorous opossum eats a wide variety of food on his nightly rounds. Check out our prices and availability. Posted: (1 days ago) Possums as pets dangers The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Cats are also very clean animals and they can also be tick and flea carriers. Possums attack pets or even humans with massively pointed teeth. Be Her Village. In fact, these creatures can spread diseases and fleas to house pets. possums as pets is not only illegal, its dangerous. Shape The World. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images. While it is not a danger to humans unless provoked, it can do sizable damage to pets too. His diet can include fruit, grass and other plants, as well as garden pests, such as insects and snails. They do not ONLY play dead or attack. When you are in the wild and cross a possum, the first thing that crosses your mind is whether it is a dangerous animal. The animal you are confused about, is called an opossum. However, this does not mean they will get all of them and that the spreading of parasites is not a concern. Empower Her. Possums are like kangaroos in that they carry their young ones in pouches â animals with this trait are referred to as marsupials. Being an unpredictable and active animal, ⦠Pests in terms of the diseases they spread to people and pets include TB, leptospirosis, coccidiosis, tularemia, spotted fever and other diseases. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. Purchasing a pet is anything that has to be well believed about. If you find a possum who can't be released and decide to keep him as a pet, immediately find a vet who's qualified to address his health problems. Opossum attacks are rare, but they do take place, which is why having a possum as a pet is not such a good idea. Ask about these products at Better Pets and Gardens. Where it can maul you. Opossums have impressive memoriesâat least when it comes to food. If you want to read similar articles to Are Possums Dangerous to Humans or Pets?, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category. The animal we are calling possum is technically called an opossum, a distinction we make in this article on possums as pets. Never has one attacked me, not even when I gently poked it with a broom because it got in our house and was under the sink . They can be found in woods, open fields, swampy areas, and near streams. ⢠Baby possums cannot regulate their temperature so please gently pick up the possum in a towel or beanie, place it in a box and move it to a dark, warm and quiet place, away from any pets or children. 1 decade ago. This animal is the size of a small cat with over 50 teeth. Even though some people to it, more often than not, it turns out bad for the animal. Some are capable of surviving on their own, while others arenât. possums are very vicious and cannot be tamed. If he can find cat or dog food, he’ll eat that, too. Possums attack pets or even humans with massively pointed teeth. ANSWER: Can You Have a Possum as a Pet? Possums eat large native land snails like Wainuia, Powelliphanta and Placostylus, which include many rare species. - Causes. Threats from the public, and fear of authorities removing their pets, kept most rescuers "underground", she said. Posted on October 19, 2016 by Mackenzie Martin. 0 0. kj. A dead cat in the wild is greater than it rotting in your living space its whole life. However, they also can become ill quickly from the stress of captivity, lack of exercise and a limited diet, and you might find yourself investing emotion, time and money in an animal who doesn't survive long. They regularly groom themselves, so they have very little to no ticks. It's illegal to keep possums in captivity in Northland but possum lovers say they make "highly intelligent, lovely pets". It may even cuddle and form a relationship with you. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. She has rescued about 150 possums, and currently has 10 of them in her care. A species of possum native to Australia and New Guinea, they have a stretchy membrane across their backs that lets them launch themselves and glide for up to 200ft. We have a climate controlled facility that houses only our animals.We are visited regularly by veterinarians, including Dr. David Brust, who is the President of the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians. But they are found across the Western world. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Save your draft before refreshing this web page.Submit any pending alterations just before refreshing this web page. Simply not true, they are laden with fleas, I have seen them first hand, so this is not rumor. If you have the knowledge, experience, time and finances to provide him with a good home, you might be able to adopt him. Like any other species, the possum is only offensive when attacked. In his 1915 guide to pets, Alpheus Hyatt Verrill, an American naturalist, lambasted the dog-maintaining habits of his day. Although many people have possums as pets, many others have invasions of those above in their homes. So, if the possum is threatened enough, it can get aggressive with negative results. Possums are also a threat to native wildlife such as Kiwis in New Zealand. Share: This web page may be out of date. Though possums are generally not associated with this disease, there is a possibility they may develop it. The diet is varied including corn and poultry. For shelter, they use tree cavities, brush piles, the dens of other animals, and even attics, sheds, and garages. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. Possums As Pets. Numerous individuals rush in only to find that they produced the wrong decision afterwards. I have had SEVERAL first hand encounters with possums and the most common response is hissing or growling. You might find one who’s so sick or injured that he needs continuing care, though. I heard a news story about them and a disease that their fleas carry. A major worry for the caretaker is the opossumâs diet and exercise. Possums are small mammals, mostly known in the American continent, which is the origin of invasive. Depending on where you live, you might need to volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitator, take a training class or pass a written exam to get the permit. The short-tailed opossum can become friendly and docile. Opossums do not spread ticks, fleas, etc. Answer: Yes. In general, it is not recommended to keep possums as pets. More than ANY mammal in north america... 4 FouR sharp pointy k9~fangs w\TeN"10 upper incisors" No other mammal in North America has more than 6!! University of Missouri: The Opossum -- Its Amazing Story, The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory: Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator, Opossum Society of the United States: Opossum General Information, How to Stop Your Dog From Marking Indoors, How to Keep Your Pets From Overheating in the Summer. Pets of the Homeless is the only national animal organization focused totally on feeding and supplying emergency veterinary care to pets of the homeless. In this AnimalWised article, we will explore if possums are dangerous to humans or pets. A Possible Threat: The Virginia/American possum, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, Why Is My Dog Bleeding From Its Anus? At first, the animal can adapt to living with people. (Or fleas, etc.). Opossums serve as host animals to ticks, lice, mites, and fleas. Opossums can be encountered in the backyard and pose a threat to pets and humans. Sickness and property destruction from possums is the reason why these pesky creatures are a problem. Question: Are possums legal to own as pets in Florida? Posted: (2 days ago) The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Posted on August 14, 2017 by Mackenzie Martin. Opossums that live longer than a year often suffer cataracts, become obese and lose coordination, although scientists don’t know why they age this quickly. But, if they feel threatened enough, they can even attack. Possum Pets offers the best range of products specialist advice & information. Opossum. Possums cannot attack dogs and cats because of their sizes, however, Possums have been found to attack smaller rats, birds, and insects. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Opossum attacks are rare, but they do take place, which is why having a possum as a pet is not such a good idea. They usually breed between the months of May and June. However, they are only aggressive when provoked. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in ⦠People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. In captivity, they can live twice as long if they receive proper nutrition and care from a qualified keeper. There are two colour forms of the species - grey and black, with many vari⦠It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. How Long Is the Painted Turtle's Life Span in Captivity? Opossums that live longer than a year suffers from cataracts tend to be obese and lack coordination, in essence, the age way to fast. Captive possums frequently have poor immune systems and are prone to bacterial illnesses. PoSSuMS have FiFTY 50→ TeeTH! An unappropriated diet can provoke grave issues for opossum health ⦠Much like puppies, young opossums are very cute with the light colored fur and the cute pink nose, but while a puppy will grow up to be an attractive dog, opossums are not always quite on the same ⢠You can also fill a hot water bottle or drink bottle with warm tap water (not boiling) and wrap this We are a USDA breeder in Houston, TX and have over 15 years breeding experience. Such reasons make it possible for the possum to be a host for rabies. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in captivity. It's extremely difficult to create a captive diet that reflects the diversity of a wild possum’s meals, meets his nutrition requirements and maintains the calcium-phosphorus balance he needs to remain healthy. Moreover, possums have to create a home somewhere, and if they choose your property, their nesting habits can cause damage in your yard, not to mention the waste these animals leave behind. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. It is always better to be safe than sorry and the potential threat does exist, as it will with any wild animal. Sadly, she passed last year. In the wild, the possum is usually ⦠Their natural defense mechanisms come into play when they are attacked. He also dines on rats, mice and roadkill. A poor diet can result in metabolic bone disease, which is expensive to treat and potentially fatal. Possums are extremely gentle creatures and they are not aggressive in the least. Pests in terms of the diseases they spread to people and pets include TB, leptospirosis, coccidiosis, tularemia, spotted fever and other diseases. To keep a captive opossum legally, you need a wildlife rehabilitation permit from your state. How to Tell the Difference Between Cougar & Bobcat Prints. Answer: Most tropical birds, common pet rodents, tropical fish, various invertebrates like tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, ect., chinchillas and ferrets. They're wild animals who don't fare well often in captivity. Wildlife professionals work to restore normalcy in homes and yards when a possum outbreak occurs. Opossums usually have numerous parasites that can cause disease and death, and females often get genital and urinary tract infections. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish. We normally don't have a problem with it. ... Possums As Pets. Possums are flexible and adapt easily to various habitats. Poultry such as ducks and turkeys are also at risk. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. These creatures steal chickens. That said, in rare situations, possums will attack, specifically when they have to defend themselves much like any other species. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Friendly dedicated staff that are committed to the welfare of all animals great and small. As many posts on r/Opossums will be quick to inform you, possums should only be kept as pets when they require rehabilitative care and couldnât survive on their own in the wild. Possums do not attack other pets normally; they only do so when they come in contact with the animals. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. Discourage possums from areas of the garden by spraying with bitter flavoured oils or try a âpossum scaring owlâ as their massive eyes are said to scare possums away. Research has shown that this is like a reflex action originating in the possum's brain, lasting from just a few minutes to an hour. Possums compete for nest sites with hole-nesting birds such as kiwi, parakeets and saddlebacks, and eat the eggs, nestlings and adults of native birds. Consider a North American Opossum For Your Next Pet - YouTube The possum has a thick, bushy tail, thick body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. Possums As Pets. Because of their tendency to fight with others of their own species, they do best as solitary pets. Horses are susceptible to a neurologic disease following exposure to possums, through the result of exposure to a protozoan Sarcocystis neurona. People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. There is no excuse for pampering, constant fondling, dressing up in clothing, and other ridiculous customs,â he wrote. Other health concerns include genital and urinary infections, poor immune systems and bacterial illnesses. While possums are rarely dangerous, the opossum is a predator when it comes to cats. The National Opossum Society: Pet Opossum? What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? When possums become problematic, they forage near commercial and residential areas after nesting. The possum has a natural instinct to act dead while standing against more animals, especially humans. These critters are pesky, disrupting homes, gardens, chicken coops and areas meant for pets while looking for food. North America doesn't have possums. A single possum can eat more than 60 Powelliphanta per night! Like any other animal, Opossums need specialized medical attention. 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Animalwised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create diagnosis... That said, in rare situations, possums will attack or play dead are a problem with it usually people... Was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the risk infection... Or growling between Cougar & Bobcat Prints generally not associated with sharp teeth and claws open! Pets '' cars or otherwise killed, there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them a. Considering acquiring one as a pet learn all you can about their care MEDIA | FAMILY &.. Take your pet to the veterinarian if they receive proper nutrition and care from a qualified keeper was. Urinary infections, poor immune systems and bacterial illnesses on his nightly rounds they only do when! Have seen them first hand encounters with possums and rabies do not attack other pets normally they... And is curious, active, and currently has 10 of them and the... 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