Opossums are white-grayish mammals about the size of cats with a long pointed face with 50 teeth and rat like tail. They’re common throughout North America and continue to expand further north. They’re common in Halton and surrounding areas and we deal with opossum nuisance issues frequently.

Opossum typically seek out insects, carrion and even birds. They also like vegetables, fruits, grasses and grains. They become difficult to get rid of in residential areas because they are attracted to compost refuse, garbage cans and food left out for common household pets. It is common for opossum to get into bird feeders and other food sources left out. They’re particularly common in mature neighbourhoods where there is mature vegetation and in all areas where there is open greenspace, including ravines, escarpment areas (like the Niagara Escarpment which runs through Halton Region) and golf courses.

Opossum don’t move overly fast yet they have an able defense mechanism – from hissing and biting to releasing foul odour via their anal glands. In short, they can be quite intimidating to most humans if confronted.