Possum ‘Ranglin’

Posted on by Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall

By Pamela Neeley

Sometimes I forget to replace the lid on the dog and cat food stored in galvanized containers during the day. I arrived home after dark from a meeting. I went out to feed the dog and cats.

Before I put my hand in the container I saw a little opossum face outside of the dog food bag.

Then I saw a snout move, and saw the second opossum IN the dog food bag.

I went into the house, (the food is in the art studio), to get my phone and put Ruby the dog in the house. She chases and tries to kill opossums.

Back in studio I snapped a few photos. Found a large towel, doubled it and picked up the little one. Took it outside to let it go in the pasture.

The second one was in the dog food bag. I picked up the bag, with top closed, and walked it out to deck. After a bit, that possum came out and went for the field.

I encouraged them to stay away from this farm because of the “hound” that is on patrol. I may not always be around to free them.

Opossums do so much good for us and the environment.  They love ticks and enjoy eating a variety of insects, small rodents, seeds, eggs, fruit.  And pet food!

4 thoughts on “Possum ‘Ranglin’”

  2. Just a word of caution on opossums for horse owners:

    “Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) [image: Update: EPM in Horses – The Horse] [image: Videos of Horses With Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)] [image: EPM in Horses – Still a Frustrating Disease – FTBOA] [image: Opossums, Horses, and EPM – – The Northwest Horse Source] [image: Rehabbing the EPM Horse | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health] [image: EPM- Part II: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment – KPP] [image: Toltrazuril: A Promising Solution for EPM in Horses] [image: EPM in Horses | Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis] [image: AEC Client Education – EPM Diagnosis] [image: Money Matters: Treating EPM Without Diagnostics Not Always Cheaper …] [image: 5 Points to Help Veterinarians Diagnose EPM – The Horse] [image: EPM in Horses: Causes, Treatment, and Long-term Management | Mad Barn] [image: EPM in Horses] [image: EPM and How to Prevent it — Irongate Equine Clinic] [image: EPM Prevention and Support – Bluebonnet] Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a rare neurological disease that affects a horse’s central nervous system. It’s caused by the parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which is spread through opossum feces. Horses become infected by consuming contaminated hay, feed, or water.”

    • Symptoms Signs can vary and mimic other neurological diseases or musculoskeletal issues. Symptoms include: – Incoordination – Muscle atrophy – Loss of feeling – Abnormal sweating – Head tilt – Poor balance – Fatigue or narcolepsy – Progression EPM can cripple a horse quickly or slowly, with symptoms appearing weeks to years after infection. In severe cases, horses may be unable to stand or swallow. – Treatment There’s no vaccination for EPM, and treatment doesn’t have a clear prognosis. Some horses recover fully, while others regain some rideability.

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