How are opossums dangerous?

Answer 1

Opossums would be most dangerous to cat than humans because opossums when near a human would usually drop and play dead because they are afraid of us. However, for cats thy might actually fight them because of their size but, you never know if they will be scared of cats as well.

Opossum are shy and fearful, they are not aggressive. When I find one wounded in my yard, I can pick it up by the tail and put it in a carrier for transport to a vet. Yes, they hiss or open their mouth when cornered, but only out of defense. They keep your yard clean of snails and slugs and other crawly critters. They eat almost exclusively vegetation, or fruit that has dropped or which they can reach in trees. Snails, slugs, beetles, etc. They may have teeth and can bite, but not to "go after" anything as large as cats or dogs. That is a myth. If your cat was killed outside, it was most likely a coyote, a dog or a fox, depending on your area. If it was eaten, it was probably a coyote. In addition, an opossum is not a large rat at all, just because they have a similar tail. That tail is strong and acts as a fifth hand when climbing. Their tail is not strong enough to hang from tree branches. Rats are rodents. Opossum are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch, like kangaroos. They have very poor eyesight, but good hearing. They are night creatures and should be left alone. Those who shoot them, torture and kill them are clearly cowards and abusers. There is no excuse, they are not a threat at all to you or your pets. I have cats, opossum, skunks and raccoons in my yard all at the same time and nothing happens.

Answer 2

Opossums are not poisonous but can carry diseases like rabies. They are also prone to bite. NEVER attempt to touch or pick up an opossum. Always alert an animal control center or pest control to come and remove it.

Answer 3

Generally, you can walk right up to them and they will just look at you, but they can be harmful. They can bite and scratch when frightened, and they can be carriers of rabies.

Answer 4

As long as they are not cornered, opossums are not dangerous. Do not corner an opossum, forcing it to defend itself. They have 50 sharp teeth and sharp claws.