South Florida is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the fascinating Virginia opossum. These nocturnal marsupials play a vital role in our ecosystem, acting as natural pest controllers and scavengers. However, it’s not uncommon to come across a baby opossum and wonder if it needs assistance. The South Florida Wildlife Center offers helpful guidance on what to do if you find a baby opossum alone. By understanding some basic facts and following simple steps, you can ensure the best possible outcome for these remarkable creatures.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

• The first thing to do when you find a baby opossum is to assess the situation and the condition of the animal. Not all opossums you come across will need rescuing, so it’s important to determine whether the baby opossum is truly orphaned or in distress. Is the baby opossum injured? Look closely for any visible signs of injury, such as bleeding, limping, or difficulty moving. Injured opossums should be handled with care and brought to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
• Is the baby opossum alone? Virginia opossums are marsupials, meaning young babies live in their mother’s pouch during the early stages of life. As they grow, they will begin to ride on their mother’s back. If you see a baby opossum that has fallen off its mother, it may have been accidentally left behind.
• Check the size of the opossum. The size of the baby opossum is a key factor in determining whether it needs help or is old enough to survive on its own.

Step 2: Measure the Opossum

A quick way to determine whether the baby opossum needs assistance is by measuring its body
length (excluding the tail). This helps wildlife experts decide if the opossum is still dependent on its mother or if it is mature enough to fend for itself.

• Under 7 inches (not including the tail): If the opossum’s body is less than 7 inches long, it is too young to survive on its own. In this case, the baby opossum needs to be transported to your nearest wildlife rehabilitation center. These young opossums are still dependent on their mother for care and food, and without intervention, they are unlikely to survive in the wild.
• Over 7 inches (not including the tail): If the opossum’s body is longer than 7 inches, it is likely old enough to be independent. As long as the opossum is moving well, appears healthy, and there are no visible injuries, it can be released back into the wild.
  
  

Step 3: Transporting a Baby Opossum

If the baby opossum is under 7 inches, it’s important to get it to a wildlife rehabilitator as quickly as possible. Here’s how to safely handle and transport the opossum:

• Use gloves: Always wear gloves when handling wildlife to protect both yourself and the
  animal. Opossums are generally docile, but they may bite when scared.
• Prepare a container: Place the opossum in a secure container with ventilation, such as
  a small box. Line the container with soft cloth to keep the animal comfortable.
• Keep it warm and quiet: Baby opossums are sensitive to stress, so keep the container
  in a warm, dark, and quiet place until you can transport it. Avoid giving the opossum food
  or water unless instructed by a professional.
• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: Reach out to your local wildlife rehabilitation center,
  such as the South Florida Wildlife Center, for further instructions. Wildlife rehabilitators
  are trained to provide the specialized care that baby opossums need to survive and thrive.

Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes

Many people have the instinct to try and care for a baby opossum themselves, but this is not a good idea. Baby opossums have unique dietary and environmental needs that are difficult to replicate at home. Feeding them the wrong food or keeping them in improper conditions can cause serious harm. Additionally, keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and unethical.

It’s also important to avoid releasing a baby opossum that is under 7 inches in length. These young opossums are still dependent on their mother and lack the skills needed to survive alone. Releasing them too early can drastically reduce their chances of survival.

Why Opossums Matter

Virginia opossums are an important part of South Florida’s ecosystem. They eat pests like ticks, cockroaches, and rodents, helping to keep local populations in balance. Despite their scary reputation, opossums are gentle and non-aggressive animals that rarely pose any threat to humans. By helping a baby opossum in need, you’re supporting the health and balance of South Florida’s wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Finding a baby opossum can be a heartwarming experience, but it’s important to act thoughtfully and responsibly. By assessing the opossum’s size, condition, and circumstances, you can determine whether it needs help or is ready to live on its own. If in doubt, always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator like the South Florida Wildlife Center for guidance and support. Remember, your actions can make a big difference in the life of a baby opossum. Whether it’s providing transportation to a rehabilitator or safely releasing an independent opossum back into the wild, every step you take helps protect South Florida’s precious wildlife. So the next time you find a baby opossum, take a moment to follow these steps and ensure the best possible outcome for these remarkable creatures.

Contact the South Florida Wildlife Center for help with any opossums or other wild animals in need!