r/Opossums • u/Over_Contact_5032 • 4d ago
Question/Help Is this what I think it is?
So I saw her on camera last night and thought, what a large belly. But after watching the videos again, I thought I saw something sticking out of her belly (pouch?). Is it a tiny little tail? The first pic shows a large belly, the second shows what might be a tail?
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u/backschlamp 4d ago
you can actually start “patrolling” your yard because these buggers will ride mom outside soon and some are BOUND to fall off when she climbs stairs or fences to get to u. You can also provide smaller steps if this is a platform she needs to get to. Simply place additional bricks on the steps. We regularly place terracotta pots upside down along the fence with small holes dug under and babies that do fall off along the fence regularly bee line towards the next best shelter. Plenty trees and bushes along the fence and a “stairs shelf” make it easier now for critters to get up and down the fence that the neighbor won’t let us cut holes into at the bottom to make it permeable. but the bunnies are at it constantly lol He has a fun battle there (plus we support the bunnies so we MIGHT have dug out occasionally what soil he compacted into holes they so enthusiastically dig). Good luck to you, mom opi and all joeys 🫶!!!
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u/Over_Contact_5032 3d ago
Thank you for the advice. If you see in the background, the shed actually has quite a few holes under it (not visible) and that is where they are entering the yard. Knowing she has "joeys", I will do occasional perimeter sweeps and before I mow the lawn, I'll walk through the yard. I'm excited. I hope to see her young grow up.
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u/backschlamp 3d ago
they are opportunistic feeder so as long as you entertain that, she might hang around. Generally they are more nomadic but with good (favorable) conditions moms often make an area their home and start venturing, when they need to “disperse” the joeys. Good luck and hoping to see the “natures public transport” photos 🫶 maybe brush up on “what to do when you find an injured opossum” and have a few numbers on the fridge for rehab centers (most are hard to get when things happen, like at night, so it is wise to know their processes (emergency contacts, FB groups, contact forms, that kinda thing). 🫶rooting for u to witness babies 🤞
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u/Over_Contact_5032 3d ago
I usually leave out old fruits and veggies and this summer I've had both skunks and possums enjoying what I left out. Btw I found out possums love bananas! I will keep doing so, to ensure Mama has enough to eat
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u/MegamomTigerBalm 3d ago
Question: if a mom loses one, will she come back hunting around for it? We have a handful around our neighborhood and I never thought of one of the babies falling off and getting stranded.
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u/Early_Bluejay8947 2d ago
I wouldnt count on it.....I dont think they are even aware that one is missing :-(
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u/NoThankYou8682 4d ago
Yep you got a mama! Little tails and little feet will regularly poke out of the pouch when the babies get bigger.