Third Opossum Enounter this Summer...

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Friday night between rain storms we took the opportunity to let the dogs out one last time before going to bed. About 5 minutes later one of the boys let out that distinctive beagle bay that lets you know they have found something. My first thought was ‘Oh Sh#*!, what have they found now’. I grabbed a leash and the flashlight. The flashlight revealed that all 3 dogs were standing over something and barking madly. When I got to the dogs I discovered a young opossum laying scarily still. Harlow was sniffing it like crazy and pushing it with her nose. My next thought was ‘Oh Sh#*!, they killed it!’. DD heard me call for some assistance and came out to catch the dogs. I continued to guard the opossum while DD was herded the pack back in the house. This took several minutes because the pack did not want to go back in the house. As I stood there guarding the opossum, I kept reminding myself that opossums play dead. After a bit I noticed the opossum was breathing very shallowly and eventually became deeper. Then it started raining again. A big raindrop landed on the snoot of the opossum and he gave a little sneeze. I went back in the house less worried. When I checked on the opossum a bit later it was gone.

We have had many opossum encounters over the years. This was the first time we had one play dead.

[Michele Barton]

It's good to know that they really do play dead...we had a opossum where we used to live that kept coming through the cat door onto the screened porch. He never played dead, and I was beginning to wonder if it was just an old wives' tale.

[Deanna Marsh]

I saw one run across the street the other day, during the day! That was strange, it was a cloudy day, maybe that's why it was awake. It was still strange to see.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This is a pretty funny story! The possum sure fooled your dogs!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I think I would much rather see a opossum play dead than a lizard right about now....but than again when I think of rabies and wild animals...I'll stick to the lizards....lol

[Karen & Lucy]

That is so funny. Your dogs like opossums, Lucy like raccoons. LOL LOL LOL