When you spot an opossum waddling across your yard or hissing under your deck, it’s easy to feel uneasy. With their toothy grins, beady eyes, and strange hissing behavior, opossums have an undeserved reputation for being dangerous. But are they really a threat to people, pets, or your property?
At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we’re often called to remove opossums from crawlspaces, attics, and sheds. And one of the most common questions we get is: “Are opossums dangerous?” The short answer: not usually. But like any wild animal, they can create problems under the right (or wrong) circumstances.
In this article, we’ll clear up the myths and provide the facts you need to know about opossum behavior, risks, and humane removal options.
What Is an Opossum?
The opossum, often called a "possum" in casual conversation, is North America’s only native marsupial. In Wisconsin, the most common species is the Virginia opossum. These animals are about the size of a house cat, with white faces, gray fur, long naked tails, and sharp teeth.
They are nocturnal scavengers, meaning they’re most active at night and often seen rummaging through garbage, pet food, or compost bins.
Are Opossums Aggressive?
Despite their scary appearance and hissing, opossums are not naturally aggressive. When threatened, they’re far more likely to flee or "play dead" (a behavior known as thanatosis) than to fight. The hissing and drooling is meant to scare predators away—not to signal an attack.
Most opossums do not bite unless they are cornered or handled, which is why it’s never a good idea to try and trap or touch one yourself.
Do Opossums Carry Diseases?
This is where opossums can present some risks. Like many wild animals, opossums are potential carriers of parasites and diseases, including:
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Fleas and ticks (which can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses)
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Coccidiosis (a parasite that can affect pets)
However, it's worth noting that opossums are less likely to carry rabies than many other mammals. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in their systems.
Property Damage and Opossums
Opossums aren’t typically destructive, but if they take up residence under your home, in your crawlspace, or inside a shed, they can cause:
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Foul odors from urine, droppings, or dead animals
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Damage to insulation or ductwork
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Contamination risks that require cleanup
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Noises such as scratching or rustling at night
They may also attract other pests, such as fleas, flies, or scavengers looking for leftover food.
Opossums and Pets
Opossums generally avoid confrontations with dogs or cats. If cornered, they may hiss or swipe defensively, but they rarely pose a serious threat. However, a curious pet could get scratched or exposed to parasites if it comes into close contact.
It’s best to avoid allowing pets to approach a wild opossum and to remove any food sources that may attract them.
Why Opossums May Be on Your Property
You may be unintentionally attracting opossums if you have:
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Open garbage cans or compost piles
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Pet food left outside
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Fallen fruit or garden vegetables
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Access to warm shelter (sheds, garages, porches)
Opossums are opportunists, and if they find easy food and a cozy place to hide, they’ll likely stick around.
What You Should Do If You Spot an Opossum
If you’ve seen an opossum near or inside your home, don’t panic. The best steps you can take are:
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Do not attempt to catch or trap it yourself
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Remove accessible food sources like trash or pet food
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Seal entry points to sheds, crawlspaces, or under decks
How Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin Can Help
We specialize in humane opossum removal and prevention services. Our experienced team will inspect your property, identify entry points and attractants, and create a safe removal and exclusion plan.
Our services include:
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Live trapping and relocation
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Damage assessment and cleanup
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Sealing entry points to prevent re-entry
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Long-term wildlife exclusion strategies
Whether you’re dealing with a single opossum or a recurring wildlife issue, we’re here to help you restore peace of mind—without harming the animal.
Think you’ve got an opossum problem? Call Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin today for a fast, humane solution to unwanted wildlife on your property.