What are the Symptoms of a Sick Opossum?

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Identifying a sick opossum through symptoms shown by the animal requires a careful assessment lest it was just playing possum. This refers to the passive defensive tactic of the opossum that it is known for. It flops onto its side and lies on the ground with eyes closed or staring fixedly into space. It would even hang its tongue out and drools for effect. This is a ploy to escape predation by pretending to be dead. If however, it does not get up and escape after a few hours of being left alone, then it may really be sick and needing attention.

  • Aside from lying down and appearing sick, a sick opossum may be very aggressive towards other animals or even humans. Sick possums have been known to attack children and pets. A sick opossum may become fierce and have increased tendency to destroy things.
  • In some cases, sick opossum may have increased sensitivity to touch or any kind of stimulation. This translates to restlessness most times. It may also start to run in a circling motion, turning around within the same spot in a disoriented manner.
  • Again, a healthy adult opossum is naturally scared of humans and animals like dogs, it would slink away to hide rather than face them. This is not the case for a sick opossum, it becomes rather fearless when confronted by human or animal, facing them unperturbed when it should run.
  • Being active during the day as a result of insomnia and restlessness is another symptom to look out for in a sick opossum. This symptom in isolation, cannot be used in identifying a sick opossum though, opossums can be unusually active during the day for any of several reasons. It could be hunger for female opossum with babies, or the need for warmth during winter.
  • Hydrophobia - When an opossum is afraid of water, it is possibly sick.
  • Other symptoms include dizziness, high temperature and coughing.
As a general rule, when an opossum starts behaving in an unusual manner, or exhibits any of these behaviors, it may be sick and requiring medical attention. Veterinarians or wildlife rehabilitators should be called in to take charge of the animal.

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