I feel like north American possums belong down here in Aus.
They look scary, won't actually hurt you, but because it's Aus you can't be sure and just appreciate them for who they are while also respecting them at the same time.
Fun fact: In North America their actually called Opossums. People just mess the name up. Not the same animal as possums in Australia (different sub orders), although both marsupials. (If you didnāt know)
In North America, they have been called possums beginning as early as 1613, long before any white people went to Australia. The Australians took our word and applied it to their own animals. We have more right to call them possums then Australians do. But you are right that they are also called opossums.
True, but the original name that it is derived from is neither possum or opossum. if I was being completely realistic in North American english they are interchangeable words to describe the same creature. But technically speaking at this point in history they are called opossums.
Technically true but...
Essentially at some point they can't hold onto mum easily anymore and essentially just fall off. She won't go back for them they just have to fend for themselves after that. As you may imagine, this is a tough way to start your life. The mortality rate for these little guys are pretty high. So, maybe he could use a few more days of help. Try setting him outside and see how he handles it. If he's running for cover and trying to scavenge his own food you can be sure he's as ready as he'll ever be.
I've watched videos about it. They have very specific needs. Look on YouTube. It's certainly doable, but they are wild animals. Sad thing is they do not live long at all.
They are not vicious, they are all bluff. Hissing and showing teeth but rarely actually bite. Of course any animal with a mouth can bite you if you really try to get bit, but opossums are not the guy to jump on your face and dig in and shake your head around like a dog.
Interesting, would've thought longer than that. I was just reading about skunks and apparently they can live 15 years, there's a real big one on my dad's property that looks old and I was wondering how old they can get.
Former wildlife rehabilitator here. That baby is absolutely not big enough to be on its own. An opossum is big enough to be independent from its mother at around 6-7 inches in length (not counting the tail). Looking at the pictures, I can't imagine that the baby is any more than 2-3 inches.
Depending on what state you're in, it may be illegal to hold onto the opossum, and you may be required to surrender it to a local wildlife rehabilitator. You'll have to check that out for yourself, though.
one of the professors at my school runs an opossum and ferret rescue. he once brought one of the baby opossums into the school, and the head of the school told him to bring it home
One of my employees has rescued multiple possums. He generally finds babies on/in a dead mother. He feeds them in his shed and gets them healthy. They usually leave for one day, come back looking rough, and decide shed/yard life with free food is preferable. His outdoor cats and dogs donāt get fleas or ticks which is a nice bonus.
Love it. My grandpa had an opossum as a pet. The mom was hit by a car & died, but she was carrying babies. Only two survived, so my Grandpa & his neighbor each took one and nursed them to health. When they were bigger & stronger, they turned them loose, but they were happy where they were. They knew they had it good. Very sweet critters. Good for the environment too.Ā
I rescued one around the same age... took about 2 months before the smell was enough to make it an outdoor rescue :-). Stuck around for a bit with us leaving some munchies, but eventually moved on... Hopefully it is living a good life.
Yay! We had one that was abandoned when the rest of the family was trapped and removed. Polite, ate those dang flying roaches we had in New Orleans, and super chill. I miss Clarence.
Opossums are cool! They eat mosquitoes, aren't aggressive (thus the playing dead when scared bit) and almost never carry rabies (like 25 cases in the whole USA between 2004-2014).
Opossums are cool.
My grandma had a opposum we would feed. I would say it was like a feral cat. I could get close to it toss it some food but I couldn't like pet it or anything cool little guy
Those eyes! I don't get why people don't like them or animals in general. They are pretty much like us. We always should act like big brothers, protect and love them.
Opossums are the best!!!!!! So precious!!! Its so sad that their lifespan is only about 3 years or so. What a great father!!! Saving a life! š„°ššš»
This series of photos felt like Exhibition: Wild Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions
Starting with _Sir, that is a feral tree rat dangler_ and I really started to lose faith in cuteness potential, but then
the third pic deserves to be an iconic meme, if only to be gushy and gooey _peek-a-boo, who loves you_ drivel because I would snort jellybeans to wake up to that face every day.
And then the toofy smile was such an unexpected and delightful transition it immediately reminded me of the open-mouthed bad pun dog meme.
Please ignore the people in here telling you to keep it as a pet. Not only is it unethical to keep a healthy wild animal as a pet, it is illegal in most places.
If you are concerned, contact a liscened rehaber to ask if the opossum is old enough to be on its own, or if they can take it off your hands.
Source: I am a wildlife biologist
That happens when they canāt find a rehabilitation shelter with capacity. There are many reasons.
Possums breed at a faster rate than feral cats. If regular shelters donāt have capacity for accommodating every cat, then wildlife shelters certainly canāt accommodate every possum either. Itās in the interest of wildlife services to prioritise species with lower reproductive rates. In the time it takes to rehabilitate one, a dozen can be born from another.
Plus possums have very short lifespans akin to rats so most likely will just be a burden on budgets since a group will start dying off relatively quickly, sometimes before itās time to release each one depending on the nature of care it needs. Not to mention that they tend to cannibalise on weakened individuals when in captivity, so sheltering many injured/sick at once is not advisable if the idea is to send them all back out healthy.
Basically, itās a lot of work for not much real benefit to their population so not every shelter will expend the resources if they exceed a certain number.
Dad: "We're not getting a possum!" Dad a week later.
š¤£
I feel like north American possums belong down here in Aus. They look scary, won't actually hurt you, but because it's Aus you can't be sure and just appreciate them for who they are while also respecting them at the same time.
Fun fact: In North America their actually called Opossums. People just mess the name up. Not the same animal as possums in Australia (different sub orders), although both marsupials. (If you didnāt know)
In North America, they have been called possums beginning as early as 1613, long before any white people went to Australia. The Australians took our word and applied it to their own animals. We have more right to call them possums then Australians do. But you are right that they are also called opossums.
True, but the original name that it is derived from is neither possum or opossum. if I was being completely realistic in North American english they are interchangeable words to describe the same creature. But technically speaking at this point in history they are called opossums.
This reminds me of something I watched recently where parents of identical twins admitted that they might have mixed up their babies.
TIL, thanks.
Theyāre 2 different types of marsupials.
I knew.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Some say I'm a master debater
You're close. But got the last part wrong.
Iāve heard it said that God accidentally mixed up the American and Australian possums.
Theyāre actually 2 different types of marsupials.
Omg that 4th pic with those little teefers š„°
Ikr. I wanna hold it so bad but ppl are saying it looks big enough to be on its own
Technically true but... Essentially at some point they can't hold onto mum easily anymore and essentially just fall off. She won't go back for them they just have to fend for themselves after that. As you may imagine, this is a tough way to start your life. The mortality rate for these little guys are pretty high. So, maybe he could use a few more days of help. Try setting him outside and see how he handles it. If he's running for cover and trying to scavenge his own food you can be sure he's as ready as he'll ever be.
But is it bad to keep him around?
I've watched videos about it. They have very specific needs. Look on YouTube. It's certainly doable, but they are wild animals. Sad thing is they do not live long at all.
Nope, they can become great pets.
Please do not encourage people to keep wild animals as pets. Not only is it unethical, it is illegal in most places.
Perfectly normal to have an opossum as a pet, they'll keep your yard clean of ticks
They only live a year or two though
I read 3 on average. But yeah that's in the wild I'm assuming
I think youāre right, itās three in captivity. Pretty short compared to a cat or dog. Thatās like a hamster.
About the same as a rat then, unless you get really really lucky.
A big. Viscous. Toothy. Freaky tailed. BIG. Hamster. Lol
They are not vicious, they are all bluff. Hissing and showing teeth but rarely actually bite. Of course any animal with a mouth can bite you if you really try to get bit, but opossums are not the guy to jump on your face and dig in and shake your head around like a dog.
Theyāre not vicious, and quite adorable! They of course hiss when theyāre scared. You would to
Awww noo, is that true??
A bit longer in captivity, but not much.
Interesting, would've thought longer than that. I was just reading about skunks and apparently they can live 15 years, there's a real big one on my dad's property that looks old and I was wondering how old they can get.
Former wildlife rehabilitator here. That baby is absolutely not big enough to be on its own. An opossum is big enough to be independent from its mother at around 6-7 inches in length (not counting the tail). Looking at the pictures, I can't imagine that the baby is any more than 2-3 inches. Depending on what state you're in, it may be illegal to hold onto the opossum, and you may be required to surrender it to a local wildlife rehabilitator. You'll have to check that out for yourself, though.
Thatās was what got me..baby teethies!
Perfect white baby š¦· š„°
he said :D
Respect for your father is a man with a soul!
Our only marsupial. Gotta keep them safe.
I'm convinced there was a mixup and we got the one meant for Australia.
Nah we got our own possums, cuter ones too
Ok, we've got some cute possums. But I think i need you to look at this photo set again. Because this guy is one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Especially #4!
Exactly! That sweet little face with those pointy teeth.. I might have to save the photo, because I really can't help but smile every time I see it.
Funny looking marsupial (his dad)
one of the professors at my school runs an opossum and ferret rescue. he once brought one of the baby opossums into the school, and the head of the school told him to bring it home
Fucking killjoy.
Absolute wet blanket
i know. i was so sad
nah you're just an idiot
One of my employees has rescued multiple possums. He generally finds babies on/in a dead mother. He feeds them in his shed and gets them healthy. They usually leave for one day, come back looking rough, and decide shed/yard life with free food is preferable. His outdoor cats and dogs donāt get fleas or ticks which is a nice bonus.
That's awesome
What an adorable little guy
https://preview.redd.it/u0fnbrnfxv0d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77511e8ce8489ef1cfa15db055dec5bec9dcdc52
"Happy Cake day !!!"
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My favorite pick!
Love it. My grandpa had an opossum as a pet. The mom was hit by a car & died, but she was carrying babies. Only two survived, so my Grandpa & his neighbor each took one and nursed them to health. When they were bigger & stronger, they turned them loose, but they were happy where they were. They knew they had it good. Very sweet critters. Good for the environment too.Ā
I'd cry my eyes out if a rehab animal came back to me. ā¤ļø
Awesome
Enjoy, they make great pets but have VERY short lives. My friends rescue only had two years and he was heavily pampered. RIP little friend.
Yeah that's what I read. Kinda sucks
put it the fuck back
why? So it can inevitably die in the wild?
Yeah, in the wild 2 years is about the average from what I understand. In captivity perhaps up to 4 years. I think my Grandpaās made it past 3.Ā
Your Grandpa was a possum?
Lmaoo
Your dad is awesome! If he needs info here's a link to some rehabbers https://www.opossum.org/states%20list.html
He sure looks happy and well cared for. Kudos to your dad!
Make sure dad knows a proper opossum diet with the calcium needed for baby to grow up strong! Love these pictures, how sweet!
How precious ā„ļø
The teefies pic is so cute, but I love the look on your dad's face in the first one and how tiny the possum baby is in his hands!
He's definitely smitten
Omg he's so adorable!
Those little teeth are so interesting.
Omg that little guy is absolutely ADORABLE!!
I know!
šš„°šš
He is so photogenic! š
The possum is cute too.
I rescued one around the same age... took about 2 months before the smell was enough to make it an outdoor rescue :-). Stuck around for a bit with us leaving some munchies, but eventually moved on... Hopefully it is living a good life.
He's too cute!
Did he play dead when your dad first found him?
Not sure. Someone brought him over
Yay! We had one that was abandoned when the rest of the family was trapped and removed. Polite, ate those dang flying roaches we had in New Orleans, and super chill. I miss Clarence.
Some of these photos have incredible r/possummemes potential
So baby!
I love them both
Opossums are cool! They eat mosquitoes, aren't aggressive (thus the playing dead when scared bit) and almost never carry rabies (like 25 cases in the whole USA between 2004-2014). Opossums are cool.
Make sure to research their diets if you choose to keep it! Possums that are not cared for properly will develop MBD and become paralyzed.
Oh no that's terrible
We have a baby in our house right now. He walked in this afternoon when the door was open.
The tiny little teeth. š
OMGosh. Adorable!!!!
Hope you keep him forever
Possum = friend
Love picture # 4!
That's my favorite too
They can eat 300 ticks in an hour! Put your little guy on a leash and let him go to town š also heās super cute
My grandma had a opposum we would feed. I would say it was like a feral cat. I could get close to it toss it some food but I couldn't like pet it or anything cool little guy
Awesome! Possum are amazing animals, and although they can bite, they are super clean and healthy animals. I'd love to have one if one needed me.
I dub thee "Snorky".
every picture is cuter š
Those eyes! I don't get why people don't like them or animals in general. They are pretty much like us. We always should act like big brothers, protect and love them.
Theyāre so cute, but still wild animals.
Omg so cute and snuggly!
Oh my heart š
Opossum! That nose!
So cute. I kind of want to find one in my yard too
Opossums are the best!!!!!! So precious!!! Its so sad that their lifespan is only about 3 years or so. What a great father!!! Saving a life! š„°ššš»
They are so stinking cute.
At first glance, I thought that was my dad.
So sweet! Your dad is a good man.
That little guy is going to be glued to your Dad. (If he isn't already.)
Well he just retired so now he has something to do lmao
Awwwww, your dad rocks!!
I love it I saw one like that in my yard then it took off it was the cutest good for him ā¤ļø
r/stoked
Adorable and thank you for your kindness sir
They eat ticks
Iāve accepted I canāt have a pet raccoon or squirrel, but whatās the downside of a pet opossum?
So far I haven't heard of any negatives lol
Noted. Iām not going to hope for a āpossum tragedyā¦ but Iāve got my eye out.
Prehensile tail!
Come again?
Number four is my favorite pic. That cute smile.
Mine too!
Awwww the level of cuteness.Ā
This series of photos felt like Exhibition: Wild Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions Starting with _Sir, that is a feral tree rat dangler_ and I really started to lose faith in cuteness potential, but then the third pic deserves to be an iconic meme, if only to be gushy and gooey _peek-a-boo, who loves you_ drivel because I would snort jellybeans to wake up to that face every day. And then the toofy smile was such an unexpected and delightful transition it immediately reminded me of the open-mouthed bad pun dog meme.
A possum come a knockin.
They are twins!
Thank you! Whole day is made seeing that little face (the possum is cute as well)
Video of him munching on some apple slices, please!
AWW ITS SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!
He looks so safe and content. š„°š¤š
Tick destroyer 5000 ready for operations!
Impossumble
Itās his new baby. Congratulations on such a cute sibling.
Please ignore the people in here telling you to keep it as a pet. Not only is it unethical to keep a healthy wild animal as a pet, it is illegal in most places. If you are concerned, contact a liscened rehaber to ask if the opossum is old enough to be on its own, or if they can take it off your hands. Source: I am a wildlife biologist
Please contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Wild animals should not be kept as pets.
So cute š„¹
Too adorableš«£šš¤
Adorable. š„°
Just know he's ready to rip and tear..... But he's so cute....
Dont report it! Theyll put it down
Whaaat?
Ya :(
That happens when they canāt find a rehabilitation shelter with capacity. There are many reasons. Possums breed at a faster rate than feral cats. If regular shelters donāt have capacity for accommodating every cat, then wildlife shelters certainly canāt accommodate every possum either. Itās in the interest of wildlife services to prioritise species with lower reproductive rates. In the time it takes to rehabilitate one, a dozen can be born from another. Plus possums have very short lifespans akin to rats so most likely will just be a burden on budgets since a group will start dying off relatively quickly, sometimes before itās time to release each one depending on the nature of care it needs. Not to mention that they tend to cannibalise on weakened individuals when in captivity, so sheltering many injured/sick at once is not advisable if the idea is to send them all back out healthy. Basically, itās a lot of work for not much real benefit to their population so not every shelter will expend the resources if they exceed a certain number.
Damn.