San Diego Humane Society Urges Public To Check For Baby Opossums On Roads

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Humane Society urged residents to check for baby opossums when seeing dead opossums on roadways, saying the simple step could save young animals during peak spring wildlife season.

The organization's Project Wildlife program said many mother opossums killed by cars still carry living joeys in their pouches. Babies who are old enough to be out of the pouch may also be nearby.

"People pass road-struck opossums every day and often don't realize there may be live babies still in the pouch," said Chantal Larose, associate director of Project Wildlife. "If it is safe to stop and check, that one action can make the difference between life and death for those joeys. Our team can raise and rehabilitate them, but first they need to be found."

Project Wildlife sees a significant number of orphaned baby opossums each year, especially in spring and early summer, according to San Diego Humane Society.

As marsupials, joeys typically remain in their mother's pouch or cling to their body, meaning they can survive even after an accident.

The nocturnal animals are generally docile and highly resistant to rabies. Opossums rarely bite, though they may hiss, growl, or appear dead as defensive behaviors.

Officials advised residents to only stop if it is safe to do so and to avoid traffic hazards.

If the opossum is still alive, they should be wrapped in a towel and taken to a Project Wildlife location. If a deceased female opossum is found, people can check for a pouch and look for surviving young inside or nearby.

Rescued joeys should be placed in a secure box lined with soft fabric. They should not be fed any food or liquids, and should be taken to a Project Wildlife location as soon as possible.

Opossums play a key role in the region's ecosystem by feeding on pests such as ticks, rats, mice, snails, slugs and other insects, as well as fallen fruit and carrion, helping maintain environmental balance, the organization said.