http://www.animalcapturewildlifecontrol.com/animal_opossums.php | The opossum is the victim of many myths. Though it is basically a harmless animal, it carries some interesting traits. It shares many characteristics with cats, while standing alone in a category all its own as a resident of North America.

1. 10 Interesting Facts about Opossums
Opossums are basically calm animals that share a lot of the same features as felines. They may hiss and
growl when frightened. They can damage property and indirectly cause health issues, but they mean no
direct harm. This is why it's so important to use a professional for opossum trapping. Los Angeles
provides the perfect environment for these animals. Below are a few facts about opossums that you
may not know.
1. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America.
2. Opossums keep their babies in their pouches for up to three months, and then they carry them
on their backs for another month or two.
3. Opossums do not hang by their tails, though they do use them to help with balancing. They do
enjoy time in the trees, and the tail helps them to maintain their balance as they navigate the
branches.
4. Foods like canned cat food, dog food and baby cereal made for humans can cause serious health
issues and death. Though people often try to feed these animals, there really is no need. They
are fantastic survivalists who realize more damage from the attempts of humans, than they do
benefits.
5. “Opossum” is Algonquian and means “white animal.” This animal is also commonly referred as
a “possum.”
6. The opossum has opposable thumbs on its hind feet. It is thought that these thumbs assist them
as they climb and navigate trees.
7. Males are called Jacks, females are called Jills, and babies are called Joeys. A group is called a
passel.
8. Like cats, they hiss, are mostly nocturnal, and prefer a solitary lifestyle.
9. Opossums are omnivorous and eat mostly berries, rodents, leaves, grass and insects.
10. One of the most common myths is that the opossum “plays possum” as a defense mechanism.
The truth is that, when they are frightened, they will hiss, growl and display their 50 teeth.
When an opossum plays dead, it is not doing so voluntarily. They basically go into shock. Their
respiratory system slows down, they may foam at the mouth, and they will lay still with their
legs in the air. This involuntary attack does sometimes repel predators, because of the odor that
the opossum gives off when this happens. This can also work against the animals, since drivers
who see one on the road in this position will assume the animal is dead and will not try to avoid
it.
The average person should not attempt opossum trapping. Los Angeles professionals, like Animal
Capture Wildlife Control, are more suited to the task and less likely to harm the animal. Since
opossums are not a threat, there is no need to try to remove them through death. These solitary
creatures need to be relocated to an environment that is better suited to their well-being. Though they
are not threatening, they may damage property and leave harmful feces and urine in their wake. They
seem to have a resistance to rabies, but homeowners should still maintain their distance as a matter of
playing it safe. Other potential issues with opossums may involve the presence of other animals who
may see the opossum as prey.
Company Bio
Jeremy Bailey, owner of Animal Capture Wildlife Control has been working under a state license from
the Department of Fish and Wildlife to relocate and manage nuisance wildlife for 12 years. He has
received many rewards and recognition for his dedication to the community and his wildlife services in

2. general.
Summary
The opossum is the victim of many myths. Though it is basically a harmless animal, it carries some
interesting traits. It shares many characteristics with cats, while standing alone in a category all its own
as a resident of North America.