OPOSSUM. Check clues below for confirmation:
| Where Found | Because the opossum is nomadic and the babies travel on the mother or in the pouch, a baby can be found anywhere. |
| Time of Year | Due to our mild climate in northeastern Texas, opossum may bear their young from mid-February through November. They will have two litters per year. |
| Distinguishing Features | Note opposable thumbs; on hind foot, the thumb has no toenail. |
If animal matches this description, contact a QUALIFIED REHABILITATOR right away.
NOTE:
If you find an opossum alone, it is either mature enough to be on its own, or it is an orphan. Mom will not come back to get him. Visualize the body-only length (excluding the tail) compared with a dollar bill (which is six inches); if smaller, the animal needs to go to a wildlife rehabilitator. If the orphan is at least an inch to two inches longer than a dollar bill and has bushy fluffy hair such as a kitten, and you have to chase the animal for a period of time, the opossum does not need to be rescued. If the opossum is larger than a dollar bill however is easily caught, has slick close to the body hair, has parasites, appears to be lethargic or injured it needs to be rescued.
Do not attempt to raise opossums; they have very specific dietary needs.
See also our Opossum Page
Not sure? Return to baby animal photos.