What Are The Signs Of A Sick Opossum?

Opossums are wild animals and people should exercise caution in their presence. While they do tend to spread a number of illnesses, they are not always infected with the diseases they spread. Sometimes, an opossum is just a carrier of certain illnesses.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always matter if the animal is infected or it is just a carrier. It can still make you very sick. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a sick opossum can help you avoid hazardous situations.



Behavioral Characteristics of Illness?

One of the easiest ways to tell if an opossum is sick is if it is out wandering and foraging during the daytime. Opossums are nocturnal creatures who typically sleep during the day. When they are infected with serious diseases, such as rabies, it interferes with their normal schedule.

Many times, a sick opossum will have diarrhea. This will be quite obvious when it is happening. The animal may even continue to defecate while it is walking. Not only do you want to avoid this animal completely but avoid its excrement too. Don’t step in it because it can often transmit many of the diseases carried by the animal.

Labored breathing is another symptom that should alert you to a sick opossum. If the animal sounds like its having trouble breathing, then it probably is. This is typically a symptom of disease or infection. Hopefully, you won’t be close enough to tell how the animal is breathing but sometimes it is loud enough to hear from a distance.

Physical Symptoms of Sickness?

When an opossum is sick, some symptoms may be more apparent than others. While you won’t be taking its temperature, some characteristics can make the animal’s condition more obvious.

Another sure sign of illness in these animals is any type of foaming at the mouth or excessive drooling. If you see this, you should avoid the animal at all costs. Many illnesses are spread through contact with bodily fluids. Don’t go near an opossum that exhibits this symptom.

If the animal seems to be losing its fur, then it is probably sick. The opossum may just have a few bald spots, patchy fur or it could be losing its hair altogether. This doesn’t happen in healthy animals.

Sick opossums are unpredictable and should not be approached under any circumstances. Chances are that you will not be able to help the animal and your health isn’t worth risking. If the animal seems to be suffering, then call a professional wildlife rehabber.


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