Meet the Amazing Opossum: Your Helpful Backyard Neighbor
Sometimes the most special animals are the ones that people don't understand. That's definitely true for opossums! Have you ever felt left out, misunderstood, or forgotten by your classmates? Many people know what it is like when others don’t understand us - just like how many people don’t understand the value of opossums!
What Makes Opossums Special?
Did you know that opossums are the only marsupials in North America? Marsupials are animals that carry their babies in pouches, just like kangaroos! That's right - opossums are more closely related to kangaroos than to rats or other backyard animals.
What Do Opossums Do?
Opossums are nature's cleanup crew! They help keep yards clean by eating:
- Fallen fruit from trees
- Spilled birdseed
- Insects like roaches
- Snakes (even poisonous ones!)
- Worms and other small creatures
The cool thing about opossums is that they can't get sick from snake bites! Their bodies are special and the snake's poison doesn't hurt them at all.
Friendly Neighbors
Many people worry that opossums might be dangerous, but they're actually very peaceful animals. Here are some important things to know:
- They prefer to mind their own business and usually walk away from pets and people
- They help your garden by eating slugs and snails that can harm plants
- They make safe neighbors because their body temperature is too low for rabies virus to survive
- They're actually very shy - if they show their teeth and hiss, they're just saying "I'm scared, please give me space!"
- They help keep your yard clean by eating fallen fruit and cleaning up spilled birdseed
- They're excellent groomers and keep themselves very clean, just like cats do
Champions for Wildlife founders Dale and Loti learned to love opossums when they found a mother opossum and her babies stuck in an empty swimming pool. At first, the mother opossum was scared and showed her teeth. But when she realized they wanted to help, she calmed down. They made a ramp and left some food to help the family escape. The next morning, the mother and all her babies had safely climbed out!
The Opossum's Famous Trick
Everyone has heard about how opossums "play dead," but did you know they're not really playing? When an opossum gets really scared, their body automatically makes them fall into a deep sleep that can last for several hours. It's like their body's way of saying "time out!"
How Can Kids Help Opossums?
There are lots of ways young people can help these amazing animals:
- Tell friends and family about how helpful opossums are
- Ask parents to drive carefully at night when opossums are most active
- If you find a baby opossum, tell a grown-up right away so they can call an animal rehabber
- Ask your family to plant fruit trees that opossums like, such as persimmon trees
Remember:
If you see an opossum in your yard, that's good news! It means you have a helpful neighbor who will clean up fallen fruit, eat unwanted insects, and help keep your yard tidy. Just remember to give them space and let them do their important work.
The next time someone says "eww" about an opossum, you can tell them all about what makes these animals so special. After all, opossums aren't scary - they're superstar helpers in our neighborhoods!
