Generally do opossims live in groups or by themselves? and are they useful to humans or the environment, and how? any other opossum information is welcolme as well.Do opossums live in groups/ are they good for the environment?
They only live in groups when it is a mother and babies.They serve the environment by scavenging and cleaning up natures waste.Do opossums live in groups/ are they good for the environment?
They live independently from each other.
They are beneficial to humans. They eat garden snails, bugs, young rats and mice, stuff like that.
When I moved into my present home, I soon came to the conclusion that we had opossums, because I never saw a snail. It was a while before I ever saw an opossum, though.
They do not carry diseases that humans, dogs or cats can catch, as their body temperature is too low for those diseases.
Opossums have the teeth of a carnivore, like a dog, and like a dog they will eat a big variety of things. They have coarse light gray fur, a long hairless tail, and a pointed face like a mouse, so they do look rather like a giant rat, but with ruffly ears like a guinea pig. Of course they are more like kangaroos than rats; they are marsupials, and carry their babies (called joeys) in their pouches.
Opossums are known for ';playing possum.'; Actually, when startled, they can go into a kind of seizure. Often a predator will not harm them in this state, because they think it's dead and don't want to eat carrion.
I've seen this a couple of times, when my dogs scared the opossums. The first time, I thought it was dead. Looking closer, I saw it was breathing. As I got even closer, it began to pull its lips back in a bizarre grin, as if poisoned by strychnine. As I moved away, it showed more signs of life and looked less dead. I left it there. 2 hours later I checked; it had moved, but when it saw me, it collapsed! This went on for a long time, I kept checking on it, and each time I did, it fainted again. In the morning, it was gone.
They can bite if cornered; I knew a woman whose dog, when she let it out to pee at night, would rush out barking, and come back with opossum bites. She had to start using a leash. .
You might be annoyed to have an opossum living in the attic. They will like to eat your pet's food and maybe some of yours, if they can get it.
Friday, February 12, 2010
How do opossum mate?
not trying to be funny just i have heard some weird things. we have a lot of them here and i just wonderedHow do opossum mate?
The weird things you have been hearing - is that the opossums mating, or is it people telling you that the way they mate is weird?How do opossum mate?
Sex. The penis in vagina kind. What have you been hearing?
I haven't really observed but hereis a good website to tell you something about them.
The weird things you have been hearing - is that the opossums mating, or is it people telling you that the way they mate is weird?How do opossum mate?
Sex. The penis in vagina kind. What have you been hearing?
I haven't really observed but hereis a good website to tell you something about them.
Should I get a opossum?
My uncle has pet oppossums and he said he would give me one they are very nice they dont stink and they use a litter box they are all very sweet should I take one as a petShould I get a opossum?
They make wonderful pets,(just don't expect them to come when you call, use a small bell, works better)Should I get a opossum?
I've had a few in my life.
They're rather easy to care for, very loving, super cute. :]
You can minimize cost by using a minimal cage and allowing him free roam of your house for the most part, or building your own cage.
Just be sure you know where there's a veterinarian that'll handle him, or if a local wildlife rehab center will help you out to find one, or care for him, when he needs it.
Before acquiring any animal, you must do your research.
Here are a few links to check into:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2046508_care-pet鈥?/a>
http://www.knowyoursto.com/
Please know these also get VERY expensive.
Not their price, but the cost to care for them.
Their cage, food, bedding, toys, treats, etc., this all adds up. Make sure you are ready to take on the responsibility before getting a pet.
hope this helps!
Lily
They're scary! All those teeth.
Why would you want one? Do they make good pets? I know, at least, where I live, it's illegal to keep wild animals as pets.
clearly.
They make wonderful pets,(just don't expect them to come when you call, use a small bell, works better)Should I get a opossum?
I've had a few in my life.
They're rather easy to care for, very loving, super cute. :]
You can minimize cost by using a minimal cage and allowing him free roam of your house for the most part, or building your own cage.
Just be sure you know where there's a veterinarian that'll handle him, or if a local wildlife rehab center will help you out to find one, or care for him, when he needs it.
Before acquiring any animal, you must do your research.
Here are a few links to check into:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2046508_care-pet鈥?/a>
http://www.knowyoursto.com/
Please know these also get VERY expensive.
Not their price, but the cost to care for them.
Their cage, food, bedding, toys, treats, etc., this all adds up. Make sure you are ready to take on the responsibility before getting a pet.
hope this helps!
Lily
They're scary! All those teeth.
Why would you want one? Do they make good pets? I know, at least, where I live, it's illegal to keep wild animals as pets.
clearly.
Is it bad to feed the opossums?
I started putting food out for a stray cat, but saw that opossums were coming and eating the food. They come every night and eat the cat food. I was told this is bad because they will come to depend on the food I put out. I have read that they eat whatever food they can find, so I figure this is just what they happened to find. I don't want to mess up their natural feeding habits.Is it bad to feed the opossums?
I am a wildlife rehabilitator whose closest rehab buddy specializes in possies.
Possies do love their cat food, and frankly it is only a matter of time before the cat and possie are joined by the raccoons, skunks and rats, along with the crows during the day.
Should stray cats have food left out for them...IMO, no, the local shelter should be contacted, the cat caught, fixed and adopted out. Stray/Outdoor cats are responsible for slaughtering 6-12 songbirds (and squirrels, and bunnies, and other baby wildlife) DAILY. So no, I do not feel that a non indigenous species should be allowed to predate on actual indigenous wildlife. It was created and dumped because of humans, it should be humans that collect it up, treat it and rehome it.
Should humans provide handouts for wildlife...well, techincally no - not because of what most folks say about dependancy etc., but because it encourages wildlife to congregate in unusual numbers. This makes it more likely for illness to be contracted and spread (canine distemper, feline distemper, rabies, parasites such as fleas and worms), and can lead to huge die offs in certain species affected. The second problem is twofold. If you are not supported in your efforts, it is only a matter of time before a neighbor is calling pest control and having the offending (snacking) wildlife trapped and killed or dumped in an unsuitable release site. And, what happens when you die, sell or otherwise are no longer there. The new people will likely not be so enamoured with your wildlife buddies and the first thing on their agenda will be to put out poison, traps or otherwise eradicate the wildlife you have taught to trust....
Now there are exceptions...if an animals is injured or ill, yes, absolutely supplemental feed for a short period of time. Does the animal have young it is nursing? Then yes, for a short period of time while she is so desperate for calories. To do it daily, monthly, 365 days a year is because you enjoy seeing the wildlife, not because they 'need' your handout.
Hope that helps.Is it bad to feed the opossums?
You should stop. They'll start hanging out around your house and they can be quite mean.
Yes, it is bad to feed the opossums as it does mess with their natural feeding habits. Also, the next pandemic could be the ';opossum flu'; OP52 Virus???
gee that's a tough one
You should stop feeding the wildlife.They will find food elsewhere.If you don't stop feeding them,more and more of them will show up in your yard and then you will have to contact wildlife to come haul them off.They may get into your house and I'm sure you wouldn't want that.Also they could carry disease that you don't want either.Do not try to touch them,as they are wild and could bite you.I'm sure you have seen their teeth.They may look somewhat cute,but can be nasty.
I am a wildlife rehabilitator whose closest rehab buddy specializes in possies.
Possies do love their cat food, and frankly it is only a matter of time before the cat and possie are joined by the raccoons, skunks and rats, along with the crows during the day.
Should stray cats have food left out for them...IMO, no, the local shelter should be contacted, the cat caught, fixed and adopted out. Stray/Outdoor cats are responsible for slaughtering 6-12 songbirds (and squirrels, and bunnies, and other baby wildlife) DAILY. So no, I do not feel that a non indigenous species should be allowed to predate on actual indigenous wildlife. It was created and dumped because of humans, it should be humans that collect it up, treat it and rehome it.
Should humans provide handouts for wildlife...well, techincally no - not because of what most folks say about dependancy etc., but because it encourages wildlife to congregate in unusual numbers. This makes it more likely for illness to be contracted and spread (canine distemper, feline distemper, rabies, parasites such as fleas and worms), and can lead to huge die offs in certain species affected. The second problem is twofold. If you are not supported in your efforts, it is only a matter of time before a neighbor is calling pest control and having the offending (snacking) wildlife trapped and killed or dumped in an unsuitable release site. And, what happens when you die, sell or otherwise are no longer there. The new people will likely not be so enamoured with your wildlife buddies and the first thing on their agenda will be to put out poison, traps or otherwise eradicate the wildlife you have taught to trust....
Now there are exceptions...if an animals is injured or ill, yes, absolutely supplemental feed for a short period of time. Does the animal have young it is nursing? Then yes, for a short period of time while she is so desperate for calories. To do it daily, monthly, 365 days a year is because you enjoy seeing the wildlife, not because they 'need' your handout.
Hope that helps.Is it bad to feed the opossums?
You should stop. They'll start hanging out around your house and they can be quite mean.
Yes, it is bad to feed the opossums as it does mess with their natural feeding habits. Also, the next pandemic could be the ';opossum flu'; OP52 Virus???
gee that's a tough one
You should stop feeding the wildlife.They will find food elsewhere.If you don't stop feeding them,more and more of them will show up in your yard and then you will have to contact wildlife to come haul them off.They may get into your house and I'm sure you wouldn't want that.Also they could carry disease that you don't want either.Do not try to touch them,as they are wild and could bite you.I'm sure you have seen their teeth.They may look somewhat cute,but can be nasty.
Earlier this year, a raccoon and an opossum?
Earlier this year, a raccoon and an opossum wandered into two Southern California substations, causing a power-supply disruption that resulted in flaring at one refinery and an outage at another. With supplies in the Los Angeles market tight, the incident -- along with a host of other factors -- contributed to rise of a few cents per gallon in gasoline prices.
Do you think this is the cause of rising gas prices? a Racoon %26amp; opossum??Earlier this year, a raccoon and an opossum?
LOL. I'm cracking up over that question. Thanks.
Do you think this is the cause of rising gas prices? a Racoon %26amp; opossum??Earlier this year, a raccoon and an opossum?
LOL. I'm cracking up over that question. Thanks.
Have you ever hugged an opossum?
Sure havent, I would rather keep my face attached to my head.Have you ever hugged an opossum?
NO!Have you ever hugged an opossum?
Oh yeah I hug them all the time. You have to be careful though that you don't squeeze to hard and kill them. Unless they are not really a possum like the guy on Ice Age- then you have an entirely different problem.
I have held one before. My mom worked at a state park and had to take care of one before. I know people think they are really gross but this one was a baby, it was kind of cute.
Don't feel like getting bitten with razor sharp teeth and getting infected and dieing. Thanks :-)
No, but I have had raccoons in my pants.
No, and I don't plan to.
ewww NO! Those things are just aweful %26amp; nasty looking....dirty little creatures!
nope..and I don't think that I ever will.
Nope, they have very sharp teeth. Don't think I'd want to try that.
Nope.
Ran over one once, but no hugs were involved.
OUCH!
And no.
No... but I had one run through my legs when BBQing a few winters back.
Yes, immediately after he bit my hand and would not let go. I hugged him with my other arm against my chest until he let go.
I was using my hand to clear dirt out of a hole I had dug the evening before and the ';possum'; bit my hand. I pulled the whole ';critter'; out and just gave him a big tight ';hug';. He let go and tried to bite my face. I suppose he wasn't the ';huggy'; type. I have not seen him since.
HAHAHA no.
no, I petted one once.
No, but I mugged an opossum
no
Yup. An ex-girlfriend of mine used to have a bunch of them as pets - they act tough for about 5 minutes after you catch them, after which they are as pliant as silly puddy.
They are still just as stupid after being domesticated as they are when they're in the wild, though.c++
NO!Have you ever hugged an opossum?
Oh yeah I hug them all the time. You have to be careful though that you don't squeeze to hard and kill them. Unless they are not really a possum like the guy on Ice Age- then you have an entirely different problem.
I have held one before. My mom worked at a state park and had to take care of one before. I know people think they are really gross but this one was a baby, it was kind of cute.
Don't feel like getting bitten with razor sharp teeth and getting infected and dieing. Thanks :-)
No, but I have had raccoons in my pants.
No, and I don't plan to.
ewww NO! Those things are just aweful %26amp; nasty looking....dirty little creatures!
nope..and I don't think that I ever will.
Nope, they have very sharp teeth. Don't think I'd want to try that.
Nope.
Ran over one once, but no hugs were involved.
OUCH!
And no.
No... but I had one run through my legs when BBQing a few winters back.
Yes, immediately after he bit my hand and would not let go. I hugged him with my other arm against my chest until he let go.
I was using my hand to clear dirt out of a hole I had dug the evening before and the ';possum'; bit my hand. I pulled the whole ';critter'; out and just gave him a big tight ';hug';. He let go and tried to bite my face. I suppose he wasn't the ';huggy'; type. I have not seen him since.
HAHAHA no.
no, I petted one once.
No, but I mugged an opossum
no
Yup. An ex-girlfriend of mine used to have a bunch of them as pets - they act tough for about 5 minutes after you catch them, after which they are as pliant as silly puddy.
They are still just as stupid after being domesticated as they are when they're in the wild, though.
Have you ever made Opossum Stew? I need a recipe please...Have you ever ate Opossum stew?How did you get?
The critter off the road, to cook it?Have you ever made Opossum Stew? I need a recipe please...Have you ever ate Opossum stew?How did you get?
Did you read that story?
No, I've never eaten it, nor will I ever eat it...Blah...Creepy lil critters.Have you ever made Opossum Stew? I need a recipe please...Have you ever ate Opossum stew?How did you get?
Yum......
No, never had opossum stew.
Thinking about the squirrel %26amp; who knows what we had on the farm way back when.
One-a-them sharp cookie spatulas. *scrape scrape scrape*
a big spatula
Did you read that story?
No, I've never eaten it, nor will I ever eat it...Blah...Creepy lil critters.Have you ever made Opossum Stew? I need a recipe please...Have you ever ate Opossum stew?How did you get?
Yum......
No, never had opossum stew.
Thinking about the squirrel %26amp; who knows what we had on the farm way back when.
One-a-them sharp cookie spatulas. *scrape scrape scrape*
a big spatula
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