Opossums

Adult opossums are not typically aggressive. If injured, they can be placed into a pet carrier or box by grabbing the base of the tail while wearing thick leather gloves. Avoid the head and mouth. You can also use a shovel to gently lift them into a box.

If the opossum is dead, check the pouch (which is on the abdomen) for babies. If there are babies attached to the nipples in the pouch, bring the dead mom to a wildlife center. Do not try to remove the attached babies. If the babies are not attached, put them into a warm box and take them to a wildlife center.

If you find an opossum that you think is orphaned, call a wildlife center first. If the opossum is 7 inches from nose to rump, it is old enough to be on its own. Do not rescue it unless it is injured.