What I Learned Made Me Reconsider This Critter's Role @ The Homesteadz

Howdy friends! Let's talk about that 'lil critter we've all faced at one time or another, especially if you live south, or in a warmer climate - the Possum, or Opossum as they are formally called. For here, we'll let formalities go and just chat.

I've trapped these critters here in Texas every season of the year, and perhaps you have too in your neck of the woods. And yes, the thought has crossed my mind as I catch/release these little fellas into their new home..."If SHTF, or TEOTWAWKI, then this conniving critter COULD become a PROTEIN SOURCE, a meal in the pot, if need be." I mean, all you have to do is a search that BIG "TUBE" site, and come up with dozen of recipes for Possum Stew, Grilled Possum, Blackened Possum, and such...Mmmmmmm...perhaps?!?!

Thankfully, we're not in that scenario for now, so every one I trap is released to begin a new home at a nearby lake...just FAR enough to never come back!

YES, they ARE a nuisance, burrowing holes, rooting in the soil, eating the garden crops, raising a ruckus with all the animals on the homestead, hissing and rearing those sharp vicious teeth...AND, and not to mention carrying all those nasty diseases....RIGHT?!?!?!

Well, I did a little research and found out...not exactly so...

According to Mother Nature Network Feb 11th, 2018, there are 10 things you may, or may not have known about the 'Possum:

1. Natural immunity. Opossums are mostly immune to rabies, and in fact, they are eight times less likely to carry rabies compared to wild dogs.

2. Poison control. Opossums have superpowers against snakes. They have partial or total immunity to the venom produced by rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and other pit vipers.

3. Omnivores galore. Their normal diet consists of carrion, rodents, insects, snails, slugs, birds, eggs, frogs, plants, fruits and grains. They also eat human food, table scraps, dog food and cat food. They have an unusually high need for calcium, which incites them to eat the skeletons of rodents and road kill they consume. They're the sanitation workers of the wild.

4. Smart critters. Although many people think opossums are not the sharpest knives in the drawer, there are several areas of intelligence in which they soar. For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested for the ability to remember where food is, opossums scored better than rats, rabbits, cats, dogs … but not as well as humans. They also can find their way through a maze more quickly than rats and cats.

5. Pest control. Since their diet allows them to indulge on snails, slugs and beetles, they are a welcome addition to the garden. Opossums also keep rats and cockroaches at bay by competing with them for food. In fact, it’s common for opossums to kill cockroaches and rats if they find them in their territory.

6. All thumbs. The opossum has opposable "thumbs." The opossum's "thumbs" (called halux) are on its rear feet (so, technically they're toes), and abet the opossum’s formidable climbing skills. Primates and opossums are the only mammals with opposable first toes.

7. Impressive tails. They have prehensile tails which are adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. The opossum can hang from its tail for short periods of time, but the creature doesn’t sleep hanging from its tail, as some people think. Opossums have been observed carrying bundles of grasses and other materials by looping their tail around them; this conscious control leads many to consider the tail as a fifth appendage, like a hand.

8. Good pupils. The eyes of the opossum appear black, but what we are seeing are strongly dilated pupil; there is iris around them, it’s just mostly out of sight. The giant pupils are thought to be an adaptation to their nocturnal habits.

9. Smile! The mouth of an opossum holds an impressive 50 teeth.

10. Natural defenses. When threatened, opossums run, growl, belch, urinate and defecate. And when all else fails, they “play ‘possum" and act as if they are dead. It is an involuntary response (like fainting) rather than a conscious act. They roll over, become stiff, close their eyes (or stare off into space) and bare their teeth as saliva foams around the mouth and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from glands. The catatonic state can last for up to four hours, and has proven effective as a deterrent to predators looking for a hot meal.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-opossums

OK, SOOOOOO...I can see a benefit on the Homestead from #1, #3, and #5!!!

Perhaps I'll give this little critter a break, and realize there IS a place for him, or them, on the Homestead....

I do know this, the Possum existed on my land before I was there, and after considering the benefits he brings to the table, perhaps I'LL DO A BETTER JOB securing my gardens from ALL predatory and invasive SPECIES of animals AND pests...and secure livestock and pet feed better. After more thought, perhaps the Possum really IS an asset on the Homestead, not a detriment!

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