This baby opossum was brought to Tucson Wildlife Center after his mother and siblings were hit and killed by a car. Estimated to be about 12 weeks old, he had suffered a head injury. Since arriving at TWC his condition has continued to improve, and we are happy to report that his chances of a full recovery are good.
Opossums are marsupials, meaning that females carry their young in a pouch, and are the only marsupials native to North America. Possums, on the other hand, are marsupials native to Australia. Opossums aren’t indestructible, but they do have some strong natural immunities that are beneficial to their survival. They are largely immune to rabies and venom from scorpions and rattlesnakes. These marsupials do play dead, but it is not a voluntary response. Instead, it is a physiological response to danger that they have no control over, like fainting for humans.
This little one was lucky to have been rescued and treated at TWC and will be released into his natural habitat when he is able to survive on his own. Tucson Wildlife Center would like to remind everyone that wild animals and their babies are forced to cross roads in search of food, water, and shelter … placing them in the path of our speeding vehicles. Please give local wildlife a “brake!” Always drive cautiously and slow down.
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https://donate-usa.keela.co/donation-form25
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