PLAYING ‘POSSUM

As the march of progress eats up Orange County’s open spaces, more and more local residents are getting unexpected visits from opossums in search of food and water. Most move on after a day or two, but this time of year (March through June) mothers caring for babies may linger longer.

In March, the Orange County Animal Shelter received 203 calls about opossums. These included:

136 reported dead opossums

35 reported injured opossums

28 reported bites to pets (usually gentle and reclusive, opossums may bite when cornered).

When homeowners phone the Animal Assistance League of Orange County to report an opossum in their yards or attics, the calls are referred to the Opossum Society of Orange County. In April, society volunteers fielded 112 calls, offering advice to callers on how to deal with the furry invaders.

Here are some facts about opossums, and what to do if they pay a visit:

DESCRIPTION: The only marsupial native to Orange County, the opossum grows to a maximum of about 8 pounds.

DIET: Up to half of the opossum’s diet is insects, snails and worms; about 40% of their diet is rats, mice and carrion; the rest is over-ripe fruits and berries, some pet foods, and, infrequently, birds or eggs.

DISEASE: Opossums do not normally transmit disease and are far less likely to carry rabies than skunks, raccoons, dogs or cats.

DANGER: Opossums are quiet, reclusive and solitary, and feed primarily at night. They will not attack humans or other animals, but will defend themselves if cornered. They do not dump trash cans.

LIFE SPAN: In the wild, an average of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years. Most are killed by cars, people, dogs, cats, owls and other predators.

ATTRACTIONS: Food source; hiding places; relative absence of other animals and people.

MOTHERS: Female opossums rear their young for 4 to 6 weeks after birth. They often leave the babies for several hours while they forage for food; if their ability to rejoin the babies is interfered with, they may abandon the youngsters.

‘POSSUM PROTECTION

Generally, Opossum Society volunteers maintain that the animals are actually beneficial, because they eat pests, and also point out that the animals are transient and will move along on their own after a day or two. The following actions can rid a yard of opossums, and discourage future visits:

* Light the area well, 24 hours a day.

* Remove food sources (pet food, over-ripe fruit on ground, etc.).

* Keep “people activity” or noise levels intermittently active during the day (not to frighten, but to make the area less inviting).

* Scatter moth balls through area (not too close to babies).

* Make sure exits are safe and open--keep dogs away. Mothers with babies may require more than one trip to vacate an area. Do not frighten a mother with children, as it may abandon them.

* When you are certain the opossum is gone, close access routes to the area (this applies primarily to attics and other enclosed areas).

* Clear excess shrubbery.

To report a ‘possum problem, call the Animal Assistance League of Orange County, (714) 978-7387.

Sources: Opossum Society of Orange County; Animal Assistance League of Orange County