Learning about Opossums

by Catherine Johnson

Master Naturalists Patricia and Catherine attended an All Things Wild program on opossums. Sign up early for these programs, as they fill up fast.

Opossums are beneficial to have around for many reasons. For example, each one eats about 5,000 ticks a year, and they eat all venomous snakes except for coral snakes. 

Here are some more opossum facts:

• They are unlikely to carry rabies because their body temperature is too low. 
• If you relocate them, make sure it is in a safe place near water. 
• A dead opossum may have babies in its pouch. If you can get them, keep them warm and take them to a rehabilitation facility.
• A mom can have delayed conception; she decides the best time to mix sperm with her eggs.

So much to learn!

We were able to interact with Beteljeuce and others, as well as ask questions. We were also offered refreshments. 

What a wonderful place to have near Milam County.