Opossum
Found an opossum?
Opossums may need help after vehicle strikes, pet interactions, or when small babies are found alone. Distance and clear photos help responders decide what is safe.
If an animal is injured, orphaned, or displaced, contact licensed or permitted help before feeding or handling. Share what you are seeing so the animal can reach appropriate wildlife care.
Start here
Keep people and pets away from the animal.
Do not touch the mouth, pouch, or babies without qualified guidance.
If the animal is near traffic, call the appropriate local authority for help with safety.
Share photos, location, and whether babies are visible.
Do not do these while waiting for guidance
Do not feed or offer water.
Do not handle an adult opossum bare-handed.
Do not remove babies from an adult unless a qualified person instructs you.
Why this matters
Opossums can look still or stunned when they are frightened or injured. Give space, document what you can see, and ask for qualified guidance before intervening.
Other situations to know
Does anything else apply here?
These situations can happen with any animal, including this one. Keep them in mind alongside the guidance above.
Found as an injured adult?
Adult wildlife can injure people when scared, even when they look weak. The best first step is distance, safety, photos, and a call to qualified help.
Do not attempt to capture adult wildlife unless instructed by a qualified person.
Do not grab, corner, chase, or throw a towel over it without guidance.
Take photos or video from a safe distance and share location, species, and visible injuries.
Hit by a vehicle?
Vehicle strikes can involve hidden injuries, traffic danger, and babies nearby. Stay safe first, then share exact location and visible details.
Do not step into traffic or block a roadway to reach the animal.
Call local emergency services or animal control when people or traffic are at risk.
Note the exact road, nearest cross street, and direction of travel.
Did tree work disturb a nest or den?
Tree trimming, removals, landscaping, and storm cleanup can expose nests or dens. Pausing work and getting guidance can prevent avoidable harm.
Stop work in the immediate area if it is safe to do so.
Keep equipment, pets, and foot traffic away from the babies or nest area.
Do not relocate babies to a random tree, box, or yard without guidance.