Are Opossums Dangerous? (The Answer May Surprise You)

So, Are Opossums Dangerous to Humans?

Generally speaking, opossums are nocturnal animals that avoid interacting with humans. However, to scare off predators, opossums will use their biological defenses.

What’s That Sound?

When feeling threatened, an opossum will begin to growl or hiss to scare off the attacker, baring its teeth. This may seem aggressive, but it’s usually just a bluff — opossums are much more afraid of people than vice versa. The hissing and growling is meant to deter predators without actual physical contact.

Do You Smell That?

As another defense mechanism, opossums can appear catatonic, drooling as if they have rabies and secreting a repulsive smell. This stinky green fluid comes from their anal glands that helps drive away predators.

“Playing Possum”

Most often, opossums interact with humans by playing dead. They can slow their heartbeat and appear limp and unresponsive, with their tongue hanging out. This gives predators time to lose interest before the opossum springs back to life and escapes.

Will an Opossum Attack Pets?

Given opossums’ peaceful, solitary nature, attacks on humans or pets are unlikely. However, some have wondered if opportunistic opossums might bite if given the chance. The truth is, it is highly unlikely — but there is no proof that it couldn’t happen.

Are Opossum Bites Dangerous or Harmful?

Opossums strongly prefer to avoid confrontations by playing dead or drooling rather than fighting. However, if directly attacked, they may bite in self-defense. Squabbles can occur between opossums and pets or other animals, resulting in biting as a last resort when cornered — but this is very rare due to their docile temperament.

Are Opossum Scratches Dangerous?

It’s highly unlikely opossums will scratch predators, even in self-defense. Their delicate feet and easily ripped nail beds make scratching a reflexive action they avoid by playing dead or entering a catatonic state. This protects their fragile claws.

That said, in the slim chance that you or your pet is indeed scratched by an opossum, you should clean it immediately and treat it as you would any other animal scratch. If redness occurs and persists, see a doctor ASAP.

The Most Common Risk: Diseases

While rabies is rare, opossums can transmit bacterial diseases through waste, most commonly leptospirosis. 

To protect yourself from opossums:

• Keep trash sealed and your property tidy
• Maintain proper pet hygiene
• Practice good hygiene after taking out trash or yard work
• Seal openings in your basement or attic
• Wash produce thoroughly, especially if homegrown
• Wear gloves and socks working outdoors

Opossum droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials may contain dangerous bacteria. Avoid direct contact without protection.

How Else Can Opossums Be a Nuisance?

Aside from the minimal dangers posed directly by opossums, they can cause property damage or annoy homeowners in other ways:

• As nocturnal creatures, their noises like hissing, growling, or rummaging may disturb sleep. Try gently hazing them away from your home at night.
• Opossums can dig up lawns or gardens, looking for worms and insects to eat. Use fencing to keep them out of flower beds or vegetable patches.
• Opossums may raid trash cans or compost piles, making a mess across your yard. Use secure lidded bins and an enclosed compost tumbler.
• Their droppings are unsightly and unhygienic. Use gloves and disinfectant to clean them up.

Tips for Deterring Opossums

Here are some humane ways to discourage opossums on your property:

• Install motion sensor lights and sprinklers
• Plug holes in structures where they enter
• Remove food sources like unsecured garbage and ripe fruit that falls from trees
• Trim back overgrown brush or wood piles they use for hiding and nesting
• Use ammonia-soaked rags or cayenne pepper around den areas

So, Are Opossums Dangerous?

While startling when hissing or baring teeth, opossums are not aggressive and pose little danger to humans or pets. They eat just about anything and prefer avoiding confrontations altogether. The most hazardous risks are bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis, not the docile opossums themselves. With some common sense precautions, homeowners have little to fear from these harmless creatures.

That said, there are severe opossum infestations that occur, typically in abandoned or rarely used structures (such as in attics, garages, outbuildings, and the like). If you do have a rather bad opossum problem, check out our expert advice on how to get rid of it.

Further, before moving forward with any actions or decisions, you may want to make sure you’re dealing with the right pest. To make sure, have a quick look at our Opossum vs. Possum guide.