Bio:

Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) grow to be about 10-14 lbs in the southern United States.  Their life expectancy in the wild is only 2-3 years.  These docile marsupials generally bread in January and their young are born in just 12 days!  The tiny young will stay in their mothers pouch to grow and are often seen crawling all over mom.  When the young are ready to go they fall off and mother just goes on her way.  When a threat is presented they often times play dead and they will not move again (even if you pick them up) for about a half hour.

Nuisance:

If you see a dead opossum leave it alone for about 45 minutes to be safe incase it is playing dead so you don't throw it in the trash can.  They even emit a foul dead animal smell while playing dead to complete their act.  When an opossum inhabits your home or business it becomes a nuisance.  Sometimes they will enter your home through a dog or cat door to find food or shelter.  No matter where they are living in your home they are making a nasty mess and need to be removed immediately!  Call the Houston Wildlife Patrol and I will come right out to catch that opossum and repair any damage he or she has caused!

David Long, Houston Wildlife Patrol          832.248.7804