Opossums are often misunderstood animals, and one of the most common questions people ask is whether they can carry can opossums get rabies. The short answer is: opossums are extremely unlikely to get rabies. In fact, among wild mammals, they are considered one of the least likely to be infected.
To understand why, it helps to look at both biology and behavior.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is usually transmitted through bites or saliva from an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention is so important.
Common rabies carriers include:
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Foxes
- Skunks
- Stray dogs (in some regions)
Why opossums rarely get rabies
Opossums have a unique biological advantage compared to many other wild animals. Their body temperature is relatively low compared to most mammals. The rabies virus has difficulty surviving and replicating in cooler internal environments.
In simple terms:
- Rabies prefers warm-blooded hosts with higher body temperatures
- Opossums run “cooler” than most mammals
- This makes infection highly unlikely
Because of this, documented cases of rabies in opossums are extremely rare.
Behavior also plays a role
Opossums are generally:
- Non-aggressive
- Slow-moving
- More likely to “play dead” than fight
- Avoidant of confrontation
Rabies is often associated with aggressive behavior in infected animals, but opossums naturally do not behave aggressively, which further reduces concern and confusion.
Can opossums still carry diseases?
While rabies is extremely rare in opossums, they can still carry other parasites or bacteria, such as:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Salmonella (rare cases)
So while rabies is not a major concern, it’s still best to avoid handling wild opossums.
What to do if you encounter an opossum
If you see one:
- Keep your distance
- Do not attempt to touch or feed it
- Allow it to move away on its own
- Secure pets indoors if necessary
Opossums are generally harmless and play an important role in controlling insects and pests.
What if an opossum bites?
Even though rabies is extremely unlikely, any animal bite should be treated seriously:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
- Apply antiseptic
- Seek medical advice for proper evaluation
Doctors may assess whether additional treatment is needed based on the situation.
Conclusion
Opossums are among the least likely mammals to carry rabies due to their low body temperature and unique biology. While no wild animal is completely risk-free, rabies in opossums is so rare that they are generally considered low-risk animals in this regard.
Still, like with all wild animals, it’s best to observe them from a distance and avoid direct contact for safety.