If you've noticed an animal in your yard with a long, white face, reminiscent of a rodent’s, and small ears, you may have an opossum either visiting or living on your property. Opossums are sometimes simply called possums in North America, but these are actually different animals. Possums are a group of different marsupial species found in Australia, while opossums are a specific species native to North America. They are also marsupials—meaning mammals with a pouch like a kangaroo, which is used to carry their offspring. The guide below will help you learn more about these creatures while waiting for animal control.

Are Opossums Dangerous?

Generally, an opossum is not a dangerous animal, and will only play dead when scared. However, if they feel threatened and especially if they are protecting young, they can sometimes attack. They are also a general nuisance, as they will eat out of your garbage and nest in inconvenient areas, damaging your home.

What Attracts Opossums?

Opossums are omnivores and are most likely to be attracted by food scraps in your garbage. They also eat garden pests like slugs. Keeping pet food outside or growing fruits and vegetables can also cause them to come to investigate.

What Happens When You Call Animal Control?

Your local pest removal company can use live traps baited with some of an opossum's favorite foods to trap the animal. Once caught, it can be relocated to a safer area for wildlife. For some companies, this gentle, humane approach is also paired with repair services to undo the damage caused to your home by the opossum's nesting habits.

If you have an opossum in your yard in Guadalupe, Comal, Hays, Bexar, Gonzales, or Caldwell counties, choose All Service as your animal control provider. Based in New Braunfels, TX, they are a one-stop shop for pest control—helping to remove invasive species, while eliminating the odors and repairing the damage they leave behind. They are currently offering 10% off termite protection, as well as a discount for first-time customers. To schedule your animal control service, call (830) 626-2847. Learn more about their process online.