Seeing an opossum during the day often raises immediate questions about its health or behavior, primarily because these marsupials are widely known for their nocturnal habits. Opossums are most active between dusk and dawn, relying on the cover of darkness to forage and navigate their environment. While a daytime sighting is unusual, it does not automatically signal a problem and is frequently the result of a normal, non-threatening circumstance.
The Opossum’s Natural Rhythm
Opossums, specifically the Virginia opossum in North America, are primarily nocturnal, meaning they conduct their activities at night and spend the day resting in sheltered locations. This schedule is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them avoid daytime predators, such as hawks, owls, and domestic dogs. The opossum’s eyesight is specifically adapted for low-light conditions, which makes daytime foraging less advantageous.
During daylight hours, a healthy opossum will seek out safe, quiet places for rest, including burrows, hollow logs, brush piles, or abandoned dens. They do not build elaborate, permanent homes but instead use temporary shelters, conserving their energy for the night’s foraging. This reliance on darkness helps them thrive, as their slow-moving nature makes hiding their best defense.
Common Reasons for Daytime Appearance
Observing an opossum during the day often signals increased biological necessity rather than illness, especially when the animal appears to be moving with intent. The most common reason for daytime activity is a significant need for food, a situation that often arises during colder winter months. When food is scarce, the need for calories outweighs the risk of daytime exposure, driving them to forage when food sources are more accessible.
Another frequent cause is the immense energy demand placed on a mother opossum carrying or nursing a large litter of young. Females can have up to two litters per year, and supporting multiple growing babies requires extended foraging periods that may spill over into the day. An opossum might also be active if its den site was recently disturbed or destroyed, forcing it to relocate to a new shelter.
Addressing Signs of Illness or Distress
The public often fears that a daytime sighting means the opossum is rabid, but this is extremely rare. Opossums possess a natural resistance to the rabies virus because their average body temperature (94 to 97°F) is lower than the temperature required for the virus to effectively incubate. The incidence in opossums is significantly lower than in other wildlife like raccoons or skunks.
A truly sick or distressed opossum will exhibit specific, observable behaviors that go beyond simple daytime movement. Signs of neurological distress include difficulty walking, staggering, circling in place, or an apparent lack of fear of humans. Other physical indicators of a serious problem include excessive drooling, discharge around the eyes or nose, or a dull, thin coat; if the animal appears lethargic, unresponsive, or is lying on its side, these are stronger indicators of poor health or injury.
How to Respond to a Daytime Sighting
If you encounter an opossum during the day, the appropriate response depends on its behavior and appearance. If the animal is moving purposefully, appears clean, and is actively foraging, the best action is to simply leave it alone and monitor the situation from a distance. This healthy animal is likely just completing a necessary feeding trip or moving between temporary dens.
The most effective way to encourage the opossum to keep moving is to remove attractants from your yard, such as securing trash can lids or bringing pet food indoors. If the opossum displays clear signs of injury or severe distress, such as circling, paralysis, or inability to move, contact a local animal control office or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Never attempt to handle a wild animal yourself, and ensure all domestic pets are secured indoors until the opossum has left the area.