Will a Possum Bite You?

You see a possum in the backyard; mouth wide open, teeth bared, looking like it’s auditioning for a horror movie. First instinct? “Is this thing about to bite me?” Fair question. The short answer: probably not. Possums are more bark than bite, and even their bark sounds like a wheezy hiss.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we get a lot of late-night calls from freaked-out homeowners who think they’re dealing with a rabid attacker. Truth is, possums are shy, non-confrontational creatures that would rather play dead than pick a fight. Still, knowing when they might bite, and how to stay safe, can make all the difference between a calm night and an ER visit. Let’s break it down.

Why Possums Act Spooky?

Possums come with a built-in scary face, but don’t let that drama fool you. When they bare their teeth, hiss, or drool like they just walked out of a haunted house, they’re not trying to attack. They’re trying to scare you off so they can slink away in peace.

This is classic possum theater. Their open-mouthed hiss isn’t a warm-up for a bite, it’s an act to avoid confrontation. In fact, their most famous defense is “playing dead,” complete with limp body, foul smell, and a blank stare. So when you see one looking like it’s mid-meltdown, it’s really just saying, “Please go away.”

Biting—When and Why It Happens?

While possums would rather fake death than fight, they can bite if pushed into a corner, literally. If someone tries to grab one, block its escape, or startles it in tight spaces like under a deck or inside an attic, that’s when a bite might happen. It’s not aggression, it’s a last-ditch reaction.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we’ve seen it firsthand. One client tried to “nudge” a possum out of a garage with a broomstick, bad idea. The possum lashed out, not because it wanted a fight, but because it had no exit. Moral of the story? Don’t DIY a possum eviction unless you enjoy surprise hisses and close encounters.

Rabies & Other Risks

One of the biggest fears people have is getting rabies from a possum bite. Good news: it’s highly unlikely. Possums have a naturally low body temperature that makes it tough for the rabies virus to survive, so confirmed cases are rare and usually involve other animals entirely.

That said, possum bites aren’t risk-free. Like any wild animal, they can carry bacteria in their mouths, and their bodies may be host to fleas, ticks, or parasites. If a bite breaks the skin, there’s a chance of infection even without rabies in the picture. Here’s what you should know:

• Rabies is extremely rare in possums due to their low body temperature.
• Possum mouths contain bacteria, which can lead to infection if the skin is punctured.
• Fleas, ticks, and mites may hitch a ride on their fur, increasing indirect health risks.
• Scratches or bites should be washed immediately and monitored for swelling or redness.
• Always contact a medical professional if bitten, even if the injury looks minor.

AAAC’s rule of thumb? Don’t assume it’s harmless; clean, cover, and call the pros.

When to Worry? And When to Chill?

Most possum sightings don’t call for panic. If you spot one waddling across your yard, sniffing around the trash, or hanging out near the fence line, it’s probably just passing through.

These nocturnal roamers prefer to avoid confrontation and won’t chase or approach humans without serious provocation. That said, some situations raise red flags.

A possum trapped in a tight space, protecting its young, or acting erratically may bite if it feels there’s no way out. If it’s made its way inside your home or garage, don’t try to handle it yourself, those hissy theatrics can quickly turn into a defensive nip. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal instead. We’ll deal with the drama, no fuss.

What to Do If a Possum Bites or You Think It Might

If you’re ever on the receiving end of a possum bite, don’t panic. While the risk of rabies is low, the risk of infection from bacteria is real. Wash the wound immediately with soap and warm water, pat it dry, and apply an antiseptic if available.

Keep an eye out for swelling, redness, or unusual warmth around the bite area. If the skin was broken, especially deeply, get it checked out by a healthcare provider. You’ll also want to report the encounter to your local animal control, or call AAAC Wildlife Removal if the possum is still lurking. We’ll take it from there, safely and legally.

Possums Are More Pest Busters Than Threats

Believe it or not, that spooky-looking possum creeping around your yard might be doing you a favor. These critters are nature’s cleanup crew; snacking on ticks, cockroaches, slugs, and even venomous snakes. One possum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a single season, which means fewer pests for your family and pets.

They also help reduce messes by scavenging leftover food, fallen fruit, and roadkill. While they may look rough around the edges, they’re more of a helper than a hazard. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we always weigh removal with respect for their benefits, and make sure relocation is done humanely and responsibly.

Don’t Poke the Possum—Call the Pros Instead!

So, will a possum bite you? Only if you push it too far. These misunderstood marsupials rely on bluff, not brawn, to survive. Their dramatic hiss-and-drool routine is designed to scare you off, not invite a wrestling match.

Still, if one gets too close for comfort or makes its way into your home, it’s not worth taking the risk. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal. We’ll handle the hissy fit so you don’t have to, using safe, humane methods that protect both you and the possum.

Need That Possum Gone? Let AAAC Wildlife Removal Handle It!

Don’t let a late-night possum drama turn into a full-blown headache. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we’ve safely removed possums from attics, crawlspaces, garages, and yards across the country. Our team knows exactly how to spot hiding spots, seal up entry points, and relocate these critters humanely, without the risk of bites, scratches, or damage.

Give us a call before things get gnarly. We’ll show up with the tools, the know-how, and zero fear of hissy marsupials. Your home stays safe, and the possum gets a new address. Everybody wins.