You’re likely here because you’ve found an injured or abandoned opossum and aren’t sure what to do. It’s commendable that you’re taking the initiative to look for solutions. This article aims to guide you on the correct steps to take, and importantly, how to find local wildlife sanctuaries and organizations who specifically rescue wildlife like opossums.
Assess the Situation
Before jumping into action, take a moment to assess the situation. It’s important to note that all wildlife, including opossums, have inherent natural instincts that may make them react aggressively out of fear when approached by humans. Additionally, remember that only trained professionals should handle injured or orphaned opossums.
First Steps
If the opossum is injured or appears to be an unaccompanied juvenile (less than 7 inches from nose to butt, excluding the tail), call your local rescue wildlife center or animal control. Do not attempt to handle or feed the opossum. Stress can be fatal to these animals, and even the most well-intentioned actions may do more harm than good.
Find an Opossum Rescue Centre Near You
To get professional help, you should locate a local opossum rescue centre. A quick web search of “Opossum Rescue Near Me” should help you find resources in your proximity. State wildlife agencies also have lists of licensed rehabilitators who can help. You can even use online wildlife rescue directories to search for opossum-specific rescues. Many provide necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual safe release of the opossums back into the wild.
Support Rescue Wildlife Efforts
Beyond opossum rescue, there’s a large network of dedicated individuals and organizations striving to rescue wildlife of all sorts. They work tirelessly, often voluntarily, to ensure the welfare of our local wildlife. Many rely on donations from the public for resources to continue their efforts.
You can support the work by contributing financially, volunteering your time, or spreading awareness. Many of these organizations offer educational programs to better understand wild animals and foster a respectful coexistence. Attending or promoting such programs can significantly help the rescue wildlife cause.
In Conclusion
The key takeaways here are:
- If you come across an injured or unaccompanied juvenile opossum, do not try to handle or feed the animal. Calmly observe from a distance as opossums can react defensively if they feel threatened.
- Try your best to notify a local rescue wildlife center or opossum rescue in your area.
- Stay supportive of the wildlife rescue organizations near you, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. Your help contributes to preserving our local wildlife and maintaining the natural beauty of our environment.
We share our homes, cities, and spaces with a wide array of wildlife, including opossums. When we take steps to rescue wildlife, we are taking action to preserve and coexist peacefully with these wild inhabitants. Remember, the first and most crucial step is often to contact a rehabilitation facility or a rescue center near you.