Thinking about getting a Pet Possum? The idea of a cute, docile creature might be appealing, but before you consider bringing a wild opossum into your home, it’s crucial to understand the significant challenges and ethical implications involved. While their unique appearance and seemingly gentle nature can be captivating, the reality of keeping an opossum as a pet is far removed from the idyllic image many might have. Opossums, despite their adaptability in the wild, are fundamentally unsuited to domestic life and require specialized care that is practically impossible for most pet owners to provide adequately. This article will delve into why keeping a pet possum is often detrimental to the animal’s well-being and why it’s essential to reconsider this decision.
The Myth of the Pet Possum: Wild Nature vs. Domestic Dream
Opossums, often referred to as possums in North America, are wild animals, not domesticated pets like dogs or cats. Their charm and perceived docility can be misleading, masking their complex needs and the inherent stress they experience in captivity. Unlike animals bred for generations to live alongside humans, opossums retain their wild instincts and behaviors. Their natural environment is one of vast open spaces, diverse diets found in foraging, and freedom to roam and interact with their own kind on their own terms. Confining such a creature to a domestic setting, no matter how well-intentioned, fundamentally clashes with their innate needs. The perception of opossums as low-maintenance pets is a dangerous misconception that can lead to significant suffering for these animals.
Demanding Care: The Realities of ‘Pet’ Possum Ownership
Caring for a captive opossum is exceptionally demanding, requiring a level of expertise and commitment that surpasses that of most common pets. Their specific needs, often misunderstood or underestimated, make it incredibly challenging to provide a healthy and fulfilling life for them in a domestic environment.
Specialized Diet: A Balancing Act
Opossums have a very particular dietary requirement that must be meticulously managed to prevent severe health issues. They need a diet rich in fresh foods with a precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. An imbalance in this ratio can quickly lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD), a debilitating condition that weakens their bones and teeth and severely damages their internal organs. Obesity is another significant concern, as opossums are prone to gaining weight rapidly, which can further exacerbate health problems and shorten their lifespan. Providing the correct diet is not simply about offering nutritious food; it requires in-depth knowledge and consistent effort to replicate, as closely as possible, their natural wild diet.
Exercise Needs: Miles of Roaming
In their natural habitat, opossums are highly active creatures, walking up to half a mile each night in search of food and exploring their territory. This level of activity is impossible to replicate in a typical household setting or even in a large cage. Confined spaces severely restrict their natural behaviors and can lead to stress, boredom, and physical health issues. Simply letting an opossum roam around the house is not a suitable solution, as it poses safety risks to both the animal and the household, and does not meet their need for extensive, natural exploration.
Veterinary Challenges: Specialized Expertise Required
Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating opossums is a significant hurdle for any potential ‘pet’ possum owner. The physiology of opossums is unique and differs considerably from that of common domestic pets like dogs and cats. Many veterinarians lack the specialized knowledge to diagnose and treat opossum-specific ailments effectively. Even when a vet is found, access to appropriate medications, laboratory tests, and specialized care can be limited and costly. Since opossums are prone to various health issues, particularly in captivity, access to knowledgeable veterinary care is not just recommended, it’s a critical necessity that is often difficult to secure.
Health Issues: Susceptibility in Captivity
Captivity itself poses a significant threat to an opossum’s health. Females are particularly vulnerable to urinary tract and genital tract bacterial infections. Any abnormal discharge, frequent urination (more than once a day), or offensive odor can be indicators of serious health problems requiring immediate veterinary attention. Beyond these specific issues, the chronic stress of captivity weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to a range of bacterial diseases and other illnesses. Even with the best intentions, the artificial environment of captivity takes a heavy toll on their health, often leading to a rapid decline and shortened lifespan.
Ethical Considerations: Is Keeping a Possum as a Pet Ethical?
Beyond the practical challenges of care, there is a fundamental ethical question: is it right to keep a wild animal like an opossum as a pet? Opossums are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures designed by nature to live free. Confining them to captivity, regardless of how comfortable the environment may seem, deprives them of their natural life and freedoms. Even if an opossum appears to adapt to captivity, the constant stress of being in an unnatural environment takes a hidden toll on their well-being. Their seemingly pleasant demeanor should not be mistaken for contentment; it may simply be a survival mechanism in a stressful situation. From an ethical standpoint, imprisoning a wild animal for personal enjoyment is a questionable practice, especially when it directly impacts their health and natural lifespan.
The Heartbreak of a ‘Pet’ Possum: A Personal Story
The experience of trying to keep a wild opossum as a pet is often filled with heartbreak and regret, as poignantly illustrated by a member of the National Opossum Society:
“I hear that you are thinking about trying to keep a wild opossum baby as a pet and want to share with you my recent heartbreaking experiences. I, too, wanted to keep captive a healthy baby opossum – and since I volunteer at wildlife clinics – last year I took in an orphaned baby whose mother had been hit by a car and killed.
It has been one of the most heart breaking, stressful, confusing and selfish mistakes I have made in my whole life. I didn’t listen to any of the people who told me to let them be free–as they were born to be. I thought that if I followed the expert advice of possum specialists, I could keep my baby alive and happy. Instead, I had to bury him after a long, hard death.
I loved him dearly and it broke my heart. Opossums are not meant to be kept as pets, and I swear to you it is the most expensive, gut wrenching heart-breaking experience I have suffered thus far. I have rehabbed and kept many other domestic animals and some other species of injured wildlife, but opossums are only sure to suffer in human hands. Please spare yourself and these babies. I have spent over a thousand dollars just on vet bills so far, and now my Mickey is dead. Every day I wonder if he would still be alive chasing bugs and eating slugs and having a family if only I weren’t so selfish and could have let him be free like he was meant to be.
I know they are cute and cuddly and adorable little critters to see and touch, but please don’t keep them — it will break your heart for sure-but most importantly, it is a very selfish thing to do. They only suffer in the hands of humans, and if they can be free, please don’t be selfish-let them have the life they were meant to live. If you someday want to have an opossum as a pet – you might be able to get one from a wildlife rehabilitator that has a non-releasable— one that isn’t well enough to be free on its own. If you volunteer for awhile, and prove you are responsible, this could very well happen. Please do the unselfish thing and set these kids free. Please. It will only break your heart and theirs if you don’t.”
This deeply personal account underscores the emotional toll and potential for tragedy when attempting to keep a wild opossum as a pet, even with the best intentions and access to resources.
Alternatives to Pet Ownership: How You Can Help Opossums Ethically
Instead of considering a pet possum, there are numerous ethical and beneficial ways to help opossums and appreciate these fascinating creatures. Supporting local wildlife rehabilitation centers is a crucial way to contribute to opossum welfare. These centers provide essential care for injured and orphaned opossums, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Volunteering at such centers offers a hands-on opportunity to help opossums and learn more about their needs. If you find an injured or orphaned opossum, contact your local wildlife rescue organization for guidance rather than attempting to care for it yourself. Educating yourself and others about the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural habitats is another significant way to contribute to opossum conservation.
Conclusion: Let Wild Opossums Stay Wild
The allure of a pet possum may be strong, but the reality is that these wild animals are simply not suited to domestic life. The challenges of providing proper care, the ethical concerns of keeping a wild animal in captivity, and the potential for heartbreak far outweigh any perceived benefits. The most responsible and ethical approach is to appreciate opossums in their natural environment and support their well-being through responsible actions like wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. If you are passionate about helping opossums, consider volunteering at a wildlife center; this way, you can contribute to their well-being without compromising their wild nature. Ultimately, the best life for an opossum is a life in the wild.
Source: National Opossum Society
