Opossums, Virginia opossum

(Didelphis virginiana)

Opossums: The Unsung Heroes of Florida Wildlife Management

Opossums are often overlooked in the world of wildlife management, but they play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In Brevard and Indian River County, these creatures are especially important due to their ability to control pests such as ticks, cockroaches, and rodents.

Opossums are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch. They are the only marsupials found in North America, and they are quite unique in many ways. They have a prehensile tail that can be used to grab onto branches, and they are skilled climbers. They also have a remarkable immune system, which allows them to resist diseases that other animals may succumb to.

One of the ways opossums help with pest control is by eating ticks. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. Opossums are immune to the venom of many types of snakes, including the venom of the copperhead and cottonmouth, which are commonly found in Florida. Opossums are also known to eat cockroaches, which can carry bacteria and cause allergies in some people.

Opossums are not just beneficial for pest control; they also help to keep other wildlife populations in check. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat small animals such as rodents, insects, and even other small mammals. This means that they can help prevent overpopulation of certain species that may become a nuisance if their numbers get too high.

Despite their usefulness, opossums are often misunderstood and viewed as a nuisance themselves. They are known to scavenge for food in garbage cans, and they may make their homes in attics or other areas of homes. However, opossums are generally not aggressive and are unlikely to cause damage to property or pose a threat to humans or pets.

In fact, opossums are quite interesting creatures and have some unique behaviors. When threatened, they may play dead, which can be a helpful defense mechanism. They are also known to groom themselves frequently, which helps to remove parasites such as fleas and ticks from their fur.

In conclusion, opossums are an important part of Florida’s wildlife management, and their contributions to pest control and ecosystem health should not be overlooked. Rather than viewing them as pests, we should appreciate the role they play in keeping our environment healthy and balanced.