Do Opossums Bite?

Opossums, also known as possums, are generally not aggressive animals and are unlikely to bite unless they feel threatened or cornered. However, like any wild animal, they may bite if they are provoked, scared, or feel the need to defend themselves. It's important to remember that opossums are more likely to hiss, growl, and show defensive behaviors such as baring their teeth or playing dead (than biting) when faced with a perceived threat.

If you encounter a opossum in your vicinity, it's best to keep your distance and avoid any attempts to handle or provoke them. If you have concerns about an opossum on your property, it's recommended to contact a professional pest control service that specializes in humane wildlife removal. We can assess the situation and take appropriate measures to manage the opossum in a safe and ethical manner.

If you have an opossum infestation that requires immediate attention, or if you're dealing with other pest-related issues, don't hesitate to contact our reliable pest control team. Our expertise can help you effectively address the situation while prioritizing the safety of both humans and animals involved.

Why Do Opossums Bite?

Opossums, marsupials belonging to the family Didelphidae, are generally not aggressive animals and do not bite humans unless they feel threatened or cornered. Their biting behavior is primarily a defensive mechanism rather than an aggressive one. Here are some reasons why opossums might bite:

Perceived Threat: Opossums have a natural instinct to protect themselves when they feel threatened. If an opossum perceives a human or another animal as a potential predator, it might bite in an attempt to defend itself.
Cornered or Trapped: When opossums feel cornered or trapped, they might resort to biting as a last-ditch effort to escape. This behavior is common when they are caught in confined spaces or confronted in situations where they cannot easily flee.
Protecting Offspring: Female opossums can become aggressive if they feel their young (joeys) are in danger. A mother opossum might bite to protect her offspring from potential threats.
Pain or Injury: Opossums might also bite if they are injured or in pain. When in discomfort, they might lash out defensively if approached by humans or other animals.
Territorial Behavior: Opossums are territorial creatures. If they feel their territory is being invaded, they might exhibit defensive behavior, including biting.

While opossums can bite, they are not typically a significant threat to humans. Avoiding close contact with opossums and giving them space is the best way to prevent bites. If you encounter an opossum in your vicinity and are concerned about its presence, it's a good idea to contact a professional pest control service. We can provide expert advice on safely managing possums and other wildlife.

Opossum Bites

Opossum bites are relatively uncommon because opossums are generally non-aggressive and tend to play dead or flee when threatened. However, when they do bite—usually as a defensive reaction—they can cause injuries that vary in severity:

Minor Scratches and Punctures

Most bites result in shallow puncture wounds or scratches.
They may bleed slightly and can be painful, but typically are not life-threatening.

Infection Risk

Opossums have bacteria in their mouths, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, which can cause infections.
If not cleaned properly, bites can lead to redness, swelling, pus, and in rare cases, cellulitis or more serious infections.

Disease Transmission

Rabies: Extremely rare in opossums; they are naturally resistant to rabies.
Leptospirosis and other bacterial infections are possible if the wound contacts urine or contaminated surfaces.
Tetanus: Any puncture wound carries a tetanus risk if your vaccinations aren’t up to date.

Severity Factors

The size and location of the bite. Fingers, hands, and face are more prone to complications.
Depth of the bite—deeper punctures are more likely to become infected.
Promptness and quality of wound care.

Most opossum bites are minor and can be managed at home with proper cleaning, but any bite that breaks the skin should be treated carefully to prevent infection. Serious complications are rare, and rabies is almost never a concern.

What Do Opossum Bites Look Like?

Opossum bites tend to have a distinctive appearance, but they are usually less severe than bites from other wild animals like raccoons or foxes. Here’s what to look for:

Typical Features of an Opossum Bite

Puncture Marks: Opossums have sharp teeth, so bites often leave small, round puncture wounds rather than large tears. A bite may show two parallel punctures if you see the marks from the upper and lower canines.
Scratches or Minor Lacerations: Sometimes the bite is accompanied by scratches from claws, especially if the opossum was struggling.
Bleeding: Usually minor bleeding, though deeper bites (rare) can bleed more noticeably.
Surrounding Tissue: The skin around the bite may appear red or slightly swollen, especially if irritation or infection begins.
Location: Bites often occur on the hands, arms, or fingers if someone tried to handle the opossum. Pets are more likely to be bitten on the legs, paws, or nose.

Signs of Infection to Watch For

Red streaks radiating from the bite
Increasing swelling or warmth
Pus or unusual discharge
Fever or general malaise

Opossums’ bites are rarely deep or jagged like those of dogs, raccoons, or cats. They are usually more like defensive nips than aggressive attacks.

What To Do About Opossum Bites

If you get bitten by an opossum, it's important to take prompt and appropriate action to minimize the risk of infection and complications. Here's what to do if you're bitten by an opossum:

Clean the Wound: Wash the wound gently but thoroughly with soap and warm water. This helps remove any dirt, debris, or potential contaminants from the bite. Use an antiseptic solution, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine to further cleanse the wound and reduce the risk of infection.
Control Bleeding: If the bite is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile bandage to stop the bleeding. Elevating the wound can also help reduce bleeding.
Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection. This can also keep the wound moist for proper healing.
Cover the Wound: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from further contamination. Change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection.
Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the size of the wound or severity of the bite, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Opossum bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infections such as cellulitis. A healthcare professional will assess the wound, provide appropriate treatment, and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
Watch for Signs of Infection: Keep a close eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
Update Tetanus Vaccination: If your tetanus vaccination is not up to date or you're unsure, your healthcare provider may recommend a tetanus booster shot, especially if the wound is deep or contaminated.
Report the Incident: If the opossum bite occurred in an area where opossums are not typically encountered, consider reporting the incident to local wildlife authorities. This information can help monitor potential changes in opossum behavior or population.

Opossum bites are rare, and opossums are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, taking prompt and thorough action after a bite is essential to ensure proper wound care and prevent potential complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on the specific circumstances of the bite.