Opossums Ma Point You as Dangerous Rabies Carriers Before You Let One Scratch Your Heart

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:32:07 +0000

Opossums Are Not Rabies Threats: Why You Shouldn’t Fear Scratching a Scratching Opossum When you spot an opossum scratching or acting unusually in your neighborhood, it’s natural to feel cautious—especially if the animal seems aggressive or oversaturated with fur. Headlines warning that opossums carry rabies can be alarmist and misleading. In reality, opossums are rarely rabies carriers—and even if exposed, they pose minimal real threat. Before you let that scratchy little mouth bite your heart (or worse), here’s what you need to know about opossums, rabies, and safe wildlife interactions. ### Opossums and Rabies: The Facts You Need to Know Rabies is a deadly viral disease most commonly spread through the saliva of infected mammals, usually via bites. While raccoons, bats, and skunks are notorious rabies carriers, opossums are among the least likely animals to carry the virus—especially in urban areas like those in Louisiana, where opossums thrive.