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Opossums in New Jersey: Risks, Behavior & Safe Removal

What Are Opossums?

Opossums (often called “possums” in the U.S.) are the only native marsupials in North America, belonging to the family Didelphidae. These nocturnal animals are about the size of a house cat and are easily recognized by their long, hairless tails and pointed snouts. While they play a role in natural ecosystems by consuming pests like ticks, cockroaches, and even carrion, they often become nuisance wildlife when they den around homes or businesses.

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Are Opossums Harmful?​

  • Property Damage: Opossums may den under decks, porches, sheds, or in attics, tearing insulation and leaving behind droppings.

  • Health Risks: They can spread parasites and diseases such as leptospirosis, tularemia, and fleas.

  • Pet Concerns: Opossums can fight with dogs or cats if cornered.

  • Garbage & Garden Raids: They often rummage through trash, eat pet food left outdoors, and damage fruit or vegetable gardens.

  • Nuisance Factor: Their sudden appearance or hissing when threatened can alarm homeowners.

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Opossum Control​

  • Because opossums are protected wildlife, control focuses on humane and preventive methods.

  • Inspection: Locate entry points or den sites.

  • Exclusion: Seal gaps under decks, sheds, and attics with wire mesh or barriers.

  • Habitat Modification: Secure garbage cans, remove outdoor food, and trim overhanging trees near roofs.

  • Humane Trapping & Removal: Licensed wildlife professionals safely trap and relocate opossums.

  • Sanitation: Clean and disinfect any contaminated areas (especially in attics or crawl spaces)

Image by Kurt Anderson

Types of Opossums in NJ​

  • Clothes Moths: Small, buff-colored moths that infest fabrics and clothing.

  • Pantry Moths (Indianmeal Moth): Tan moths with reddish-brown wings that infest stored food.

  • Gypsy Moths (Spongy Moth): Outdoor pest species that damage trees and shrubs.

Opossums Appearance​

  • Size: 2–3 feet long including tail; 4–14 pounds.

  • Color: Grayish fur with a white face.

  • Tail: Long, hairless, prehensile (used for balance and climbing).

  • Other Traits: Sharp teeth, pointed snout, and opposable thumbs on their hind feet.

Opossums Habitat​​

  • Outdoors: Wooded areas, brush piles, and near water sources.

  • Urban/Suburban: Under decks, porches, sheds, garages, and attics.

  • Activity: Nocturnal; seen at night foraging for food.

Opossums Diet​

  • Opossums are omnivores and opportunistic feeders:

  • Insects & Pests: Ticks, cockroaches, beetles.

  • Small Animals: Rodents, frogs, snakes, and carrion.

  • Fruits & Vegetables: Berries, fallen fruit, and garden crops.

  • Human Food: Garbage, compost, and pet food left outdoors.

kind pest nj

Opossums Life Cycle​

  • Breeding: Typically occurs between January and July.

  • Gestation: Very short — only about 12–13 days.

  • Young: Litters of 6–20 babies are born underdeveloped and crawl into the mother’s pouch.

  • Development: After about 2 months in the pouch, young ride on the mother’s back until they’re old enough to survive on their own.

  • Lifespan: Usually 2–4 years in the wild.

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