My opossum experience first began in 1999 when I joined Project Wildlife of San Diego County as a volunteer rescuer and home care rehabilitator. In 2004, my husband and I moved to Arkansas where I applied for and was granted a Wildlife Rehabili-tation Permit which allowed me to continue caring for orphaned and injured opossums.

Through my experiences as a wildlife rehabilitator, I have had the privilege of working with opossums of all ages and physical conditions.

While I have learned more than I could have ever imagined by caring for this unusual animal, I am by no means an expert. The information provided on this web site comes from personal experiences, classes, reference manuals and articles, as well as opossum and wildlife organizations.

Once you have explored this web site, I hope you will agree that the opossum is a truly unique and fascinating animal with which we humans have the pleasure to co-exist.

L. M. Tinz
Wildlife Rehabilitator

Should you encounter an opossum that is sick, injured or is too young to survive on it's own, contact your local or state wildlife agency for assistance. You might also try calling a veterinarian in your area. They can be helpful in directing you to a person who is trained to care for wildlife.

If you happen to see a healthy opossum making his nightly rounds, take a few moments to observe this unusual animal.  continue

Often mistaken as filthy, ill tempered and disease carrying, the opossum is actually one of the most peaceful and beneficial members of the wild animal community.

Because of their low body temperature, opossums are highly unlikely to have rabies, distemper or Parvo. They do not attack people or pets but they will defend themselves if cornered. They are peaceful, solitary creatures that just want to be left alone. Unfortunately, the opossum frequently falls victim to dog attacks, car hits and misinformed people. more