Do Opossums Carry Rabies? What Homeowners Should Know

You spot something in the yard one night. A hissing, slow-moving animal with a long tail and a face only a mother could love. Your first thought? “Is that thing dangerous?”

It’s probably an opossum. And like most people, you might wonder: do opossums carry rabies?

Let’s clear things up. While opossums can technically get rabies, it’s actually really uncommon. That said, having one hanging around your home in Wisconsin still isn’t great news. Here’s what you should know and why you might want to consider calling for opossum removal if one’s taken up residence near your house.

 

So… Do Opossums Actually Carry Rabies?

Short answer? It’s possible, but very unlikely.

Opossums are one of the few wild animals in Wisconsin that rarely test positive for rabies. Why? Their body temperature is just too low for the virus to survive easily. They’re also not naturally aggressive, so they don’t go around biting things unless they’re cornered.

That hissing, drooling, scary face? That’s mostly just an act. It’s how they try to look tough when they’re frightened. It doesn’t mean they’re sick. In most cases, they’re just trying to get you to leave them alone.

 

What Other Risks Come With Opossums?

Even if rabies isn’t the main concern, that doesn’t mean opossums are totally harmless.

Here’s what they can bring with them:

• Fleas and ticks that can spread to pets and people
• Bacteria from their droppings, including salmonella and leptospirosis
• Foul odors, especially if they get under your deck or porch
• A big mess, from knocking over trash cans to digging up gardens

They’re scavengers, and they’ll go wherever they can find food or shelter.

 

Why Chasing One Off Might Not Work

If you’ve ever tried to scare off an opossum, you know they’re not easily rattled. In fact, sometimes they just lie down and “play dead” literally.

Trying to trap or relocate one yourself might sound doable, but there are a few problems:

• You could get bit or scratched, especially if the opossum feels cornered
• Wisconsin laws limit how you can relocate wildlife
• There may be babies nearby, and separating them can lead to bigger problems
• If you don’t fix the reason they showed up, they’ll just come back

That’s why many folks turn to a local wildlife pro to handle it safely and legally.

 

When It’s Time to Call an Opossum Removal Specialist

Here in Wisconsin, opossums are just part of the landscape but they don’t belong in your crawl space, attic, or tucked under your shed.

Here are signs you should call in a pro:

• You keep seeing the same opossum night after night
• You notice signs of a nest like torn insulation, scattered trash, or droppings
• The animal looks sick, injured, or is acting strange
• Your dog or cat keeps barking or digging in one area

A licensed wildlife expert can trap and remove the opossum humanely, check for babies, and help seal off entry points so it doesn’t happen again.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Opossum Removal

Are opossums dangerous to pets?

Usually no, but they can scratch or bite if your pet corners them.

Is it weird to see one in daylight?

Not always. If food is scarce or they’ve been disturbed, they’ll move around at odd times.

Do store-bought repellents work?

Some help a little, but they’re not a long-term fix.

 

Last Thoughts

Rabies? Not really something to stress about with opossums. But if one’s hanging around your place, it’s still smart to deal with it sooner rather than later.

Give a local opossum removal service in Wisconsin a call and get things handled the right way. No guesswork, no drama, no surprises.