The Virginia opossum (also known as possum) is a native of the American South. Within the past few decades, the species has traveled north due to warming temperatures, making its way up to Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. From there, the species has migrated along the lakeshore and can often be seen in cities and rural areas in much of the province. Some unsuspecting critters have been unwittingly imported via truck or train and have bred locally ever since.

They have a distinctive look, and grow to about the size of house cats. The possum’s fur is typically grey in colour. They have small, black eyes, a white face, a pointy snout and a long tail that has very little fur on it. Their small, black ears are also fairly fur-less. The prehensile tail of a possum is used to grasp and hold things, so it is more scaly than furry. They do not hang from trees, but will use their tails to assist in climbing.

As Ontario’s only marsupial, possums don’t hibernate, per se, so they can be active all year round. As such, a common ailment is frostbite on their ears and tails. This is a nocturnal species, moving around and hunting for food at night.

Sightings have occurred in or near garbage areas and unfortunately, many possums find their end on the roadside, having been hit by cars. While they are quite comfortable living in rural and small-town areas, cities have proven to be challenging for them and fast-moving cars on roads and highways often contribute to their demise. Their habit of “playing possum” (pretending to be dead) when threatened makes them vulnerable to collisions with vehicles of all types. Easy access to food sources also plays a part in where these animals live.

As you can imagine, summer is a comfortable season for them, but winter weather finds them searching for warm places to live. If a possum decides that your home or building is suitable, it will take up residence for several months and may proceed to breed in that space.

On the plus side, ticks and fleas like to feed on possums and are speedily eliminated because these animals are very good groomers. They are known to kill ninety percent of the insects that they encounter. The diet of a possum is varied and can include birds and their eggs, grains, fruits, berries, grasses, snakes, insects, and small mammals. They are basically omnivores, and will eat almost anything.

If large numbers of possums gather, they will create a nuisance for homeowners. Look for them in garbage disposal areas, at bird feeders, or inside of buildings. They do carry a variety of parasites and can spread disease that is harmful to people and pets. While most of them will play dead when threatened, a nursing mother will bite to defend herself and her offspring.

It is neither preferable nor wise to have possums living in residential areas, especially in structures that are intended for humans. To be rid of this animal pest, it is recommended that a trained professional is contacted.

Identify

Call Wildlife Pro to discuss your animal pest problem and to get a free estimate. At that time, you can schedule an in-person visit to receive removal services.

Possum (Opossum) Removal

Wildlife Pro’s trained specialists will humanely remove and relocate nuisance wildlife. Possum removal services and dead animal disposal is done according to local laws and standards. When the animal pests have been removed, we will expertly clean and clear the affected areas to ensure your safety.

Possum Prevention and Exclusions

Wildlife Pro will repair damage made to existing entry holes. As well, to prevent future infestation, all potential entry points will be secured. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Wildlife Exclusion Services

Are you looking for wildlife exclusion services from your property? We’re the specialists with the knowledge and skills to get the job done right the first time.

Our professional wildlife exclusion and prevention services will ensure that you don’t ever have to face such a problem in your house.

We offer a full range of wildlife exclusion services for:

• Raccoon Exclusion Services
• Squirrel Exclusion Services
• Possums Exclusion Services
• Birds Exclusion Services
• Rat Exclusion Services
• Skunks Exclusion Services
• Bat Exclusion Services

We offer Opossums (Possums) control services in the GTA

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