When you see pictures of baby opossums, it’s hard to imagine anyone thinking of these cuties as pests.
But guess what?
These little guys are heroes in disguise!
They munch on the natural pests that bother us in our homes and gardens.
Did you know baby opossums hitch a ride in their mom’s pouch?
They stay there until they’re big enough to hang onto her back and explore the world.
Just to show that not everything in Australia is out to kill, meet our Pygmy Possum.
But sometimes, life throws a curveball, and these babies get separated from their moms.
This can happen if she gets hurt or if the baby accidentally tumbles off.
So, what should you do if you stumble upon a baby opossum?
First, take a moment. Look around.
Their mom or siblings might be nearby.
My little sister found a baby opossum in our backyard. His name is Einstein.
And here’s a cool tip: listen closely. Baby opossums make a ‘sneezing’ sound to call out to their mom.
That’s what the Opossum Society of the United States (OSUS) tells us.
But how do you know if the baby is too young to be alone?
The OSUS has a handy guideline.
If the opossum is smaller than 7 inches from its nose to its tail, it’s too young to be solo.
And if it looks sick or hurt, it definitely needs some help.
If you find a baby opossum that needs assistance, don’t try to be a hero.
It’s best to call experts like the local OSUS member, a vet, or a wildlife rescue team.
Just make sure they’re opossum-friendly and won’t harm the little one.
You might be wondering, “Why all this fuss over opossums?”
Well, if you have an opossum in your yard, you have a natural pest-fighter.
They eat all the critters we don’t like – from slugs and spiders to rats and snakes.
And here’s another fun fact: opossums are like nomads.
They don’t stay in one place for long.
They have many sleeping spots and move every 2 to 3 days.
If you want them to move along faster, mess up their sleeping area a bit.
Opossums are fascinating creatures.
Not only do they help keep our homes pest-free, but their babies are also super adorable.
Who would’ve thought they were nature’s little helpers?
So, the next time you see an opossum, give it a nod of thanks.
And if you ever rescue one, you’re in for a treat.
Share these fun opossum facts with everyone you know.
Let’s spread the love for these amazing animals!
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