Opossums
Orphan Alert: A dead or dying opossum on the road may be carrying up to 13 uninjured babies in its pouch. Opossum lovers will check the body of hit-by-car opossums for living infants. If there are infants, immediately take the mother to Native Animal Rescue.
What to do if you find…
Baby Opossums1. Always wear gloves when handling opossums. 2. First, establish that the baby opossum needs to be rescued. If the baby looks healthy, it is best to wait and watch for one to two hours before taking action. If there is no sign of the mother, or if the baby is injured or being stalked by a predator, it’s time to bring the baby to Native Animal Rescue. 3. Warm a soft cloth or an old t-shirt in the dryer and place it in the bottom of a box with air holes. Keep the box warm by placing it on a warm towel or on a heating pad set on low. 4. Carefully lift the baby and place it in the box. 5. Close the box and bring it to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below. 6. If you are uncomfortable handling the baby, call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.
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Injured Adult Opossum1. Always wear gloves when handling opposums. 2. If the opossum is active and/or aggressive, cover it with a laundry basket, leave it where you found it, and call Native Animal Rescue for advice at 831-462-0726. 3. If you think you can handle the opossum, prepare a hard-sided box or animal crate with a towel on the bottom and adequate ventilation. Warm the box by placing it on a warm towel or on a heating pad set on low. 4. Throw a towel or sheet over the opossum so that he can’t see you, gently pick up the animal (wearing gloves), and place in the box or crate. Do not give food or water. Be sure the lid is tightly secured. 5. Close the box and bring the animal to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below. 6. If you do not feel up to handling the raccoon, call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726. |
