Why are opossums so hated?

Answer 1

Possums are so hated because most of the time (75%) they carry rabies. No one wants to get rabies so people avoid possums.

Lets see, since there are more birds and squirrels around, that can also carry rabies, lets kill them all! I reviewed some literature from the local animal shelter groups and they only list possums droppings as possibly carrying harmful bacteria..like everyone elses! I think possums are hated because they're so defenseless, they try to act tough, and are too slow crossing roads. People take out their own frustrations and inadequacies on defenseless critters. Better there were more possums and less people!

It is not true that opossums carry rabies. Their body temperature prevents them from being able to contract or carry the rabies virus.