Injured or orphaned opossums
 Opossums are nocturnal- they need a quiet and dark place during the day. They are attracted by pet food, ripe fruit, water and snails. They are generally not destructive nor predatory. They are usually solitary. They are marsupials, carrying their babies in a pouch, often not making a nest until the babies are several months old. |
It is not good to feed opossums, either intentionally or unintentionally. Don't leave pet food outside at night, keep ripe fruit picked, keep garbage cans securely covered. Opossums may "play dead" when startled or confronted; they may lay there for up to an hour before coming to and scurrying away. Please do not give food or water to any injured or orphaned animals. |
Hit by car
If it can safely be put into a secure container without touching the animal, it can be brought into the museum. Otherwise call Animal Services (in Contra Costa County call 925-335-8300). If you find a dead opossum check to see if it is a female with babies in the pouch. If it is, bring her into the museum; do not attempt to remove the babies from the pouch. |
Young opossum alone
If the opossum is 8" from nose to base of tail or larger, leave it alone unless it is injured. If it is less than 8" long or is injured, place it in a secure container and bring it into the museum as soon as possible. Keep the opossum warm and do not feed it. |
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