Tims Ford  Environmental Education Association

Opossums

Man has been endowed with reason, with the power to create, so that he can add to what he's been given. But up to now he hasn't been a creator, only a destroyer. Forests keep disappearing, rivers dry up, wild life's become extinct, the climate's ruined and the land grows poorer and uglier every day.

Anton Chekhov [Uncle Vanya, 1897]

Young opossums sometimes become separated from their mothers. If its body is more than 8 inches long, not including the tail, it is old enough to be on its own. If it is smaller than this it will need assistance.

If you have found a baby opossum or young opossums with no mother or if you know the mother to be dead:

It is critical that the young opossums be kept warm. If you have a heating pad, turn it on the LOW setting and place half of the box on top of the pad.

Place the opossums in a box lined with soft rags and close the lid. They are very good climbers. Make certain that the lid is secure.

Even small opossums can bite and have many sharp teeth. Use care when handling.

Do not attempt to give any food or water.

Place the box in a warm, dark quiet area away from people and pets.

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator: