Thinks possums are nasty ugly creatures? Maybe this will change your mind. :)

[luckies4me]

Im glad its working out for you and hope it continues to work for you.

I cannot get over the fact that it is a wild animal and it should be in the wild and not be a pet.

I dont remember right now if you are experienced with rehabilitating wild animals, I really do hope you are.

Not trying to be negative about this. Best of luck.

Like I said previously, his mother was hit by a car and because of that he developed neurological issues. He cannot be released into the wild, especially now since he has imprinted on humans and other animals. He is terrified of being outside. We do take him out regularly just so he can be in "nature" but he much prefers to be inside with us. Opossums have ranked smarter than dogs on tests. They are very content being pets. It is much different than say, taking a fox (and not fur farm foxes which have been domesticated for years), alligator, bird etc from the wild. Much much different.

Also, I have worked with wildlife for many many years, and volunteer for Willamette Wildlife. I have raised many an opposum, hence why you can see how healthy my "pet" oppossum is compared to most others you see on the internet. Do a search for pet possum and you will see the difference. This is all due to the fact that these people have no experience with these animals and do not do their research on proper care, feeding and husbandry needed to keep one successfully healthy as a pet. When I worked at Santa Clara Animal Hospital (the head vet used to be the lead vet for Wildlife Safari- a drive through zoo in Oregon and the leading breeder of the endangered Cheetah), a man had a pet possum and would bring it in regularly for check ups. It was always sick, probably due to the fact that the man fed it lots of candy, and would also bring Skittles and M&M's with him during appointments. These were his possum "treats." Also, I work at a vet clinic. How would any layperson be able to schedule a possum neuter? Most vets do not get involved with wild animals, one because they are wild and there are specific laws about their care and treatment, and two, they just don't know much about them.

I have years and years of experience with exotics and wild animals. Cats and Dogs were once wild animals as well. As were skunks, degus, parrots etc. As long as the animal is well cared for and loved it should not matter where the animal lives. As long as it remains healthy and happy.

[kaycountrygal]

He's a cute little feller. It sounds as if you really know what you're doing with him. More than likely he would have died if you had not taken such good care of him. I agree with other poster that the pic with hat is adorable. Hope all goes well in the future.

[luckies4me]

Thanks.

[Taz_Zoee]

I will start by saying they do creep me out. But seeing this guy incorporated with your family he is a cutie!

[luckies4me]

Thanks! I think their large mouths and eyes creep most out. They are so gentle though.

[Karen]

I think the long mostly naked tail folks see, and that wild opossums are usually seen only at night, so in the glow of a headlight or flashlight and their eyes reflect the light help creep some people out. But I have never been, I think it is neat that they are our own native marsupial!

[Asiel]

That is the cutest little thing I've ever seen, first time I see a real possum, thanks for sharing the pictures, love them.