Opossums or Possums? First, let’s clear up probably the most confusing part of this animal; the name. So, Opossums and Possums are actually two different animals! This is finally the end of the feud you’ve had with many people trying to prove why you think it’s spelled one way or the other. Therefore, Opossums actually is the name used for more than 100 different species of marsupials in North, Central and South America. So, Possums are part of the suborder Phalangeriformes across 6 different families. Debate settled!
The Good:
- Firstly, Opossums catch and eat cockroaches, rats, mice, snails and slugs.
- They clean decaying matter as well. Like, dead animals of all types, cleaning up over ripe fruit and berries, nuts, and grass.
- One of the coolest things is they eat even venomous snakes! Yes, crazy! Opossums are immune to bee stings, scorpions, botulism toxin, and snake venom.
- They’re resistant to Rabies.
- Lastly, most commonly known as being powerful tick eaters. They can eat up to 4,000 ticks in a week!
The Bad:
- Opossums will eat left out garbage. We weren’t joking about Opossums being natures clean up crew.
- They can carry different diseases such as, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, spotted fever, and leptospirosis. Just keep in mind, wildlife is wildlife.. Meaning most wildlife do not want to be your friend, do not touch wildlife no matter how cute they may be.
- They do carry lice, ticks and fleas, including cat and dog fleas.
- Yes, if you are one of those people who leave food out for the stray cats or try to feed wildlife in your backyard, you will most definitely be feeding other scavengers too. Of course Opossums, raccoons and many more. So, be aware when leaving free food out and expect all types of guests.
- Opossums will eat garbage if it is left out. We weren’t joking about Opossums being natures clean up crew.
- They can carry different diseases such as, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, spotted fever, and leptospirosis (do not touch wildlife no matter how cute they may be).
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