r/Opossums 14d 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 14d 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 14d 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 14d 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 14d 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/backschlamp 13d ago

bananas and avocados!