I have a humane trap in my neighbors backyard because my cat got out a few weeks ago and we have not been able to catch him. I just went to go check on it and there is a possum in there. I'm more of an inside girl so I don't know anything about possums. Should I be affraid to let it out of the cage? I'm affraid it is going to attack me when I let it out.
2006-09-04 15:47:57 · 17 answers · asked by andreamjaksa 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It won't attack you, just open it and move away it'll go his own way. I wouldn't touch one though because they do have some awesome teeth, but I guess they do need them living in the wild and being on the bottom of the food chain.
They are like most animals they don't want contact with you any more than you do with them.
2006-09-04 15:56:54 · answer #1 · answered by Sean 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it should not attack unless it feels threatened - they will bite and since they are in the rodent family they carry disease and they will bit you if you are in their way - your best bet is to open the cage and have a clear path away from you where the possum can run - if you provide it with an exit it will run rather then fight with you - just stay away from it and let it alone and walk away from it - as long as it is not foaming from the mouth or it does not look ill - if it looks ill, contact your local animal control and allow them to dispose of the possum.
2006-09-04 15:53:56 · answer #2 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are generally afraid of people, but will bite it cornered. I've seen them hold their own against cats. Just open the cage and leave. He won;t come out when you are there, and if you put your hand in the cage you'll need stitches. Note if it attempts to attack you from inside the cage instead of just backing into the opposite corner and make devilish noises at you call animal control. Rabies is not to be taken lightly.
2006-09-04 16:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The possum is a lot more afraid of you than you need to be of him. Try to let him out without getting your hands in the way to be safe. If you are afraid, call a game warden or animal control person.
2006-09-07 08:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by kimba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oppossums normally only attack as an absolute last resort. If they have a way to flee they'll take that. They will 'play opposum', that is fake death rather convincingly, if given the chance instead of fighting.
If this oppossum doesn't show any signs of rabies you''l be ok. Just make sure its got a clear path to some cover and stand behind the cage when you open it.
2006-09-04 15:54:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My up-close and personal experience with a possum wasn't a bad one. It had gotten into our outdoor garbage can one morning, so we laid the bin down on its side hoping that he would come out at some point during the day (unlikely since they're nocturnal). That didn't happen so I carried the can to the backyard by the fence and kind of turned it at an angle so he would slide out. Once he hit the ground, he kind of looked around and walked away peacefully into the woods. I kept my distance and he felt no threat by me. Here at my apartment, they scavenge quite a bit at night and no one has yet to report any problems from them. They're sort of cute in an ugly a.s.s. kind of way!
2006-09-04 16:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by Bunny Lebowski 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It nothing to be afraid of. Most people hurt themselves trying to get away from them than anything it would do. Most animals' first instinct is to get away from you. They scared too. Above someone mentioned getting behind the cage and open the door. Try it!!! If, you have some thick leather work gloves put them on if you afraid it bite you, but, I really doubt it do any more than try to run fast when you open the cage, once it finds the door.
2006-09-04 16:02:01 · answer #7 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will bite but they will not attack you. After you open the door you may have to shake the cage to get it out. Possum's aren't very bright.
2006-09-04 15:54:24 · answer #8 · answered by n317537 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What planet are you from? Ever see one of those things smile at you? They are the meanest most vile creatures Ive ever seen in my life besides an alligator. Possum's are the "Street Thugs" of the animal kingdom! You'll get your hand bit off in a new york minute.
2006-09-04 15:52:32 · answer #9 · answered by soniaatcalifornia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will run of you get behind the cage and open the door. Don't try to pull him out, possusms can be mean tempered.
Call your Animal Control and the will come get the animal.
2006-09-04 15:51:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋