Did you know that one opossum can consume around 5,000 ticks in a single season?
Scientists are recording record numbers of ticks this summer, which means we need opossums more than ever. Not only do these helpful omnivores protect us by eating disease-carrying ticks, they also clean up our ecosystems by eating rotting plants and dead animals.
Many people don’t realize that opossums are nature’s pest control and cleanup crew, and may even try to harm them. We’re trying to raise awareness about the benefits of opossums, but we can’t do it alone.
Worried about diseases like rabies? Contrary to popular belief, these nocturnal creatures are nearly resistant to rabies and are more likely to play dead than attack when they encounter humans.
So if you see an opossum in your garden, yard, or neighborhood, don’t call to have it removed! This misunderstood marsupial helps keep our ecosystems healthy and humans safe from disease.
