Opossums often get a reputation as “dangerous wild animals,” but when it comes to rabies, they are actually one of the least concerning mammals in North can opossums get rabies. The short answer is: opossums can technically get rabies, but it is extremely rare in practice.
Understanding why requires a closer look at how rabies works and what makes opossums biologically different from other wild animals.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. It is usually spread through bites when infected saliva enters broken skin.
Common rabies carriers include:
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Skunks
- Unvaccinated dogs and cats
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention is so important.
Why opossums are rarely linked to rabies
Opossums stand out among mammals because they are very unlikely to become infected with rabies. One key reason is their unusually low body temperature compared to other warm-blooded animals.
Rabies virus thrives in hosts with higher, stable body temperatures. Opossums have a naturally lower internal temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive and replicate effectively.
Because of this:
- Confirmed rabies cases in opossums are extremely uncommon
- They are not considered a typical rabies reservoir species
Behavior and survival strategy
Opossums also behave differently from animals commonly associated with rabies.
They are:
- Slow-moving
- Non-aggressive
- More likely to “play dead” when threatened
- Avoidant of confrontation
Rabid animals often show unusual aggression or erratic behavior, but opossums generally do not match that pattern.
Can opossums still carry diseases?
Even though rabies is extremely rare in opossums, they can still host other parasites or bacteria, such as:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mites
- Occasionally bacterial infections
So while rabies is not a major concern, direct contact with wild opossums is still not recommended.
What to do if you see an opossum
If you encounter one:
- Keep your distance
- Do not try to touch or feed it
- Allow it to move away naturally
- Keep pets safely away
Opossums are generally harmless and actually help control pests like insects and small rodents.
What if an opossum bites you?
Even though rabies is highly unlikely, any animal bite should be treated seriously:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
- Apply antiseptic
- Seek medical attention for evaluation
Doctors will decide if any further treatment is needed based on the situation.
Conclusion
While opossums can technically get rabies, it is so rare that they are considered one of the lowest-risk wild mammals for the disease. Their low body temperature and unique biology make them an unlikely host for the rabies virus.
Still, like all wild animals, they should be observed from a safe distance, and any bite should always be taken seriously and checked by a medical professional.