Can you train a possum to be a pet?

Opossums can not only be housebroken, but they can be taught to come when they are called and to even sit on your shoulder as you walk around. With a little patience and a calm demeanor, you should be able to tame a pet opossum.

Are opossums affectionate?

Opossums, which have been in California for only the last 100 years, were introduced as pets; when let loose they flourished in the West Coast climate. It’s a sign of affection, but it’s an experience when, in the middle of the night, you’re awakened by a big opossum licking your face.”

What is a possums life span?

Virginia opossum: 4 years
Common opossum: 2 years
Opossum/Lifespan

Will possums bite you?

Do Opossums Bite? Just like any scared animal, it’s possible for opossums to bite in defense. If they feel cornered or threatened, opossums will use several escape strategies ranging from playing dead to hissing. Biting is rare, but people should avoid contact with all wild animals to eliminate the risk.

Why do possums lick you?

“They do something we call ‘sliming,’ which is where they’ll lick your skin and rub their head against you. It’s a sign of affection, but it’s an experience when, in the middle of the night, you’re awakened by a big opossum licking your face.” “They’ll really eat anything,” said Betty Hart of the Opossum Society.

Where do Possums sleep at night?

>> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow.

Are opossums dumb?

Opossums have a reputation for being dumb because of their slow movements and small brain size (five times smaller than a raccoon).

Do possums carry babies?

They’re the only marsupial in all of North America, which means that the mothers keep their young in a pouch during much of their infancy. Opossum pregnancies last for only 12 days before they give birth to tiny, jelly-bean sized joeys (yes, baby opossums are called joeys) who must then crawl into the pouch.

Where do possums sleep at night?