Opossums

Adult Opossums

• Gloves should be worn when attempting to capture Opossum (gardening gloves will work well).  While they do have many teeth they are not inclined to bite in most cases.
• An Adult Opossum that is inactive and does not respond to your approach can be picked up using a large towel and placed into a large cardboard box with holes punched into it for air circulation.
• Adult Opossums that are more active can be captured by placing the open box over the top of the Opossum.  Gently slide the lid of the box under the container and then slowly turn the box right-side up.
• Opossums may also be picked up by grasping firmly at the base of their tail nearest to their body and gently placing into a waiting transport container.  Do not attempt to pick up an Opossum by holding on to the end of their tail.
• Keep the contained Opossum in an area where it will be warm (but not hot) dark and quiet until it can be transported to a rehabilitation facility.

Baby Opossums

• Put the animal in a box and keep it warm. If placed on a heating pad set on low, place 1/2 of the container on the heat source the other 1/2 off, babies can overheat and die, give them something to hide under such as a t-shirt.
• Place it in a quiet dark room
• Do not feed
• Do not give it cow's milk

If you have found a wild animal that appears to be sick, injured, abandoned or in danger...
Please call our emergency hotline number: 310.458.WILD [9453]!