2006-11-04 18:28:50 · 15 answers · asked by mindbodyr1 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes they are dangerous to humans too. Opossums are notorious for carrying rabies, which is a disease that can be spread to ALL MAMALS- including humans. You should definitely try to avoid them.
2006-11-04 18:33:19 · answer #1 · answered by honor 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Possums and just like all other animals, including humans, are harmful. Can you cite at least one exception of this? Probably not because even the feeble ants are harmful to other animals, small and big alike. However there are some that become less harmful when tamed, or should I say, civilized and made domestic like the pigs, chickens, dogs, cats etc. The others then are considered wild. The wild ones therefore are what the society marks as dangerous and fatal to people. However, if the society finds use in all of these wild animals, they would tame them and make them domestic like the few elite. So it's not the wild possums fault if they'll be seen dangerous because in the first place the society limited them to be so. If all privileges given to domestic animals are shared to the wild ones, then everyone would be perceived safe and civilized...
2006-11-05 02:49:30 · answer #2 · answered by mark 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Australian possums don't carry rabies as rabies isn't in Australia. Possums aren't any more dangerous to humans than a cat; less dangerous probably because possums aren't carnivores like cats are. Possums are usually awake at night so there is less interaction between humans and possums and therefore less danger. Possums can be really annoying though as they can destroy gardens and plants. They also get in roofs of houses which can be disturbing.
2006-11-05 09:31:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to define if the animal you are asking about is a possum or an opossum? Possums certainly do not have rabies (no rabies in Australia or New Zealand) nor carry any other diseases that I am aware of. They may however carry ticks. Possums are wild, and being nocturnal ... seldom come into contact with people. But many people do tame them if reared from babies. They will bite if you manage to grab them or they mistake food (apples, fruit) for the fingers holding it!
2006-11-05 02:43:13 · answer #4 · answered by Gus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possums are very primitive and have a negative image. They are not dangerous or aggressive to cats or humans. Like most animals, they are more likely to run than attack. As far as diseases, they are wild and are likely to carry some. But this is no different than the chances of a stray cat having a disease.
2006-11-05 08:42:16 · answer #5 · answered by Kitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats can be dangerous to humans if you think about it. Possoms can be also, don't pet or pick up any possom you find on the side of the road (dead or alive) because they carry diseases. They could have rabies or a parasite, etc that can be transmitted to you. Possoms have sharp teeth and claws because they are carnivores. All wild animals should be treated with respect and if you keep your distance you will be alright.
Now, are they like cats? Cats can transmit the same diseases and they can harm humans with their claws, but I think a 'possum can't be tamed like a cat.
*Also, they are opossums
2006-11-05 02:33:52 · answer #6 · answered by mocatz1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, Possums may appear dangerous when they feel threatened, but their defense display is just that, mostly bluff. I've had cats and opossums co-exist for years in the barn and the two species will even eat together at the feeding dishes. In all the times I've handled wild opossums of varying ages from baby to adult, I've never had one try to bite me. An opossum's main defense is to not just "play possum" (playing dead) but they actually will faint and appear to be dead, because most predators will not eat something that's already dead. Opossums are also more disease resistant than many other wild animal species. The biggest threats to cats in most areas, are coyotes and raccoons. Coyotes will kill and eat cats, and raccoons ARE aggressive creatures, and if a cat picks a fight with a raccoon or bothers the 'coon or its young, a coon will kill a cat instantly.
2006-11-05 02:42:56 · answer #7 · answered by TheSnakeWhisperer 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Possums are dangerous to animals and humans! They usually carry diseases.
2006-11-05 02:33:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nah, I don't think so. I did practical work with possums today, on my excursion today at an animal centre and they weren't dangerous at all.
2006-11-07 04:31:19 · answer #9 · answered by lisathevegan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A possums is meaner than a rabid cat !!! I would take my chances with a domestic animal...
2006-11-05 02:41:22 · answer #10 · answered by jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋