Opossums (often just called “possums”) are some of the most misunderstood animals in North America.
Their unusual appearance and nighttime habits have spawned countless myths over the years — many of which paint them as dangerous, aggressive, or dirty creatures.
The truth?
Opossums are gentle, shy, and surprisingly beneficial members of local ecosystems.
Let’s break down the most common myths and uncover the real story behind these misunderstood nighttime wanderers.
Myth #1: “Opossums are dangerous and aggressive.”
False.
Opossums avoid conflict at all costs.
They don’t chase people, they don’t attack unprovoked, and they almost never bite.
When cornered or terrified, they look intimidating because they:
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open their mouths
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bare their teeth
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hiss
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growl lightly
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freeze in place
This is all bluff behavior, a fear response — not aggression.
Given the choice, an opossum will retreat or hide instead of fighting.
They just want to be left alone.
Myth #2: “Opossums carry rabies more than other animals.”
Very false — and one of the biggest misconceptions.
Opossums are dramatically less likely to carry rabies than many common wildlife species such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats.
Why?
Because their body temperature is unusually low for a mammal — often too low for the rabies virus to survive.
This doesn’t make rabies impossible, but it makes it extremely rare.
Myth #3: “If you see an opossum during the day, it must be sick.”
Not necessarily.
While opossums are nocturnal, it’s perfectly normal for them to be active during the day when:
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they’re searching for food
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their nighttime scavenging was interrupted
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the weather is mild
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they’re mothers traveling with babies
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they were scared out of a hiding spot
Seeing an opossum in daylight is not an automatic sign of illness.
Myth #4: “Opossums destroy homes like raccoons and squirrels.”
Incorrect.
Opossums are far less destructive than other common wildlife species.
They don’t usually:
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chew wires
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tear insulation
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dig into attics
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rip open roof shingles
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cause major structural damage
If opossums enter human spaces, they usually slip into accessible areas like:
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garages
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crawlspaces
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sheds
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under decks
They generally leave little damage behind and often move on quickly.
Myth #5: “Opossums are dirty animals.”
Actually, they’re very clean.
Opossums groom themselves almost constantly — similar to cats.
They clean their fur, remove parasites, and keep themselves tidy to stay healthy.
Their scavenging lifestyle creates the illusion of being dirty, but behaviorally and hygienically, they’re quite clean animals.
Myth #6: “Opossums spread lots of diseases to humans.”
Misleading.
All wildlife can carry pathogens, but opossums are not major carriers of dangerous diseases to humans.
In fact, compared to raccoons, rats, or stray cats, opossums present far lower risk.
While caution is always wise around wildlife, most opossum encounters are harmless.
Myth #7: “Opossums kill cats and small pets.”
Very unlikely.
Opossums avoid confrontation with pets.
If threatened by a dog or cat, they almost always:
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retreat
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freeze
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or play dead
They are not natural predators of pets.
Conflicts usually arise from cats cornering or harassing the opossum — not the other way around.
Myth #8: “Opossums hang from trees by their tails.”
Only in cartoons.
Baby opossums can hang briefly using their tails, but adults are too heavy.
Their tails are prehensile, meaning they help with balance and gripping branches — not suspending their full weight.
It’s a fun image, but not a real behavior.
Myth #9: “Opossums are pests with no benefits.”
Far from it. Opossums are incredibly beneficial.
They help control:
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ticks (they eat thousands per season)
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cockroaches
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snails and slugs
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rodents
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snakes
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dead animals and waste
They’re nature’s cleanup crew, boosting backyard and neighborhood health without causing harm.
Myth #10: “If an opossum looks sick or slow, it must be diseased.”
Not always.
Opossums:
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move slowly by nature
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freeze when startled
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have poor eyesight
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walk with an unusual gait
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may appear confused when using their sense of smell to navigate
Slow movement ≠ illness.
Often, they’re just being cautious.
Final Thoughts
Opossums may look intimidating at first glance, but they’re gentle, beneficial, and far less troublesome than their myths suggest.
They play a vital role in controlling pests, cleaning up waste, and balancing local ecosystems — all while avoiding confrontation whenever possible.
Understanding the truth about these misunderstood animals helps reduce unnecessary fear and encourages safer, calmer coexistence in our neighborhoods.
If you’re seeing opossums around your home, chances are they’re just passing through — quietly helping the environment along the way.
Got Wildlife or Pests?
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to us by calling 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.
Thanks!
-Wildlife x Team International