Is An Opossum Sick If You See It Moving Around During The Day?

Seeing an Opossum During the Day

Whenever there is an opossum out during the day, there is the immediate assumption that something is wrong. It is rare, and sometimes odd, to see nocturnal creatures during the day, but what does it mean?

Many assume it means the opossum is sick. There are diseases that animals can have that will alter their behavior, leading them to do things like go out when they normally would not.

If you see an opossum during the day, do you have to worry about it being sick? What should you do in that scenario?

Knowing the facts can help you to stay safe and navigate this situation successfully.



Out in the Day

Seeing an opossum out during the day does not automatically mean it has diseases. There are numerous reasons why an opossum would be awake and roaming, most of which have nothing to do with diseases or illnesses.

There is the chance that the opossum is out because it is sick, but that is rare. In most cases, the opossum is out for other reasons. Whether its sleep got disturbed or it is trying to find food or any other reason, it is unlikely to be sick.

That does not mean there is no risk of the opossum being sick. There is still a risk that the opossum carries some sort of disease and is in poor condition. You have to be aware of these risks before doing anything with the opossum.

Risk of Illness

The risk of the opossum being ill is low, but still there. You do not want to handle or go near the opossum if there is any chance that it carries some sort of disease. You could hurt yourself or the animal doing so.

You may not see other symptoms if it is ill. It may not present with symptoms or the symptoms may be minor, but that does not make the opossum safe to go near.

Even if the opossum has no diseases, you want to keep your distance. Opossums are wild animals, after all, and can carry a host of diseases and insects. While opossum are rarely aggressive, you will want to watch out going up to one. You cannot assume a wild animal is safe.

There is a low risk of an opossum being sick just because it is out during the day. However, that does not make it safe to approach. Remain cautious and safe: keep your distance.


Visit our Wildlife Trapper Petersburg home page to learn more about us.