rescued possum,what to do??????

Question

i found a possum ,the size of a small rat ,drowning in oil ,, i put him in a carrier and i am trying to get him to eat wet cat food ,,any clues on what to do its been three days and he wont eat ??????he barely has teeth ,, my intentions are to let him get a lil bigger and release him,,,,,,,,,,,,

Answer 1

Contact a wildlife rehabber in your area. The possum needs a correct diet, and he needs to learn to hunt on his own before being released. Rehabbers try not to handle these animals much so they will be as wild as possible. A local vet should have a rehabber number for you.

Answer 2

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. You can find one here: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm

These people have the training and the resources to care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals.

They also have the necessary permits. It is illegal to keep any native wild species, even for a short time, even for good intentions, unless you have the proper permits. And, unless you have the proper training (not just getting formulas and advice from the internet), you can do more harm than good.

Also, possums are mammals, and can carry disease. They are mean, especially when frightened, and they have a mouthful of very sharp teeth. Let a professional deal with them.

Answer 3

You have a juvenille. It is probably old enough to be weaned. There is a strong possibility that the animal is sick from exposure to the oil. Does it have chemical burns?

Nursing young animals isn't hard, but it's a lot of work. You can get "kitten milk replacement" and a small bottle at a pet store. The milk needs to be warmed, but not overheated. It should feel warm to the wrist, but not hot. If this possum is still young enough to nurse, and still healthy enough to nurse, then it will respond to this formula and the bottle. Nursing animals need to eat on 2-4 hour intervals, 24 hours a day.

Answer 4

You can call ASPCA poison control @ 1-888-426-4435. They can possibly direct you to a wild life rehab in your area.
www. nwra wildlife .org also can help. It tells you what to do if you find a wild animal such as wild rabbits, possums , birds etc.

Answer 5

Here's a opossum rescue website. It has a list of liscenced rehab's in each state. I would call or e-mail them for advice.
http://www.possumrescue.com/helpinyourarea.htm#L
and a page on how to care for your baby =)
http://www.possumrescue.com/foundababy.htm

Answer 6

You should be proud of yourself. you saved a little life. Give yourself a pat on the back then contact wild life and fisheries. You deserve a MEDAL....=)

Answer 7

Call animal control.

Answer 8

call animal control its illegal to have a opposum as a pet.