You might be wondering, are possums good to have around? After years of watching them patrol my own garden, I can tell you—yes, they absolutely are. Despite their rat-like appearance and spooky midnight habits, opossums are one of the most underrated allies you can have in your yard. They’re nature’s pest control squad, gobbling up slugs, beetles, and even ticks—up to 5,000 per year, according to wildlife studies. They also clean up fallen fruit and rotting vegetation, which means less disease and fewer unwanted bugs. I’ll admit, I used to be creeped out by them too. But once I saw how they kept my garden healthy without any effort from me, I became a fan. Let me walk you through the real benefits—and a few simple precautions to keep the peace.
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- 1、Are Possums Good to Have Around?
- 2、Do Possums Control Ticks?
- 3、Opossum Facts
- 4、How to Attract Opossums to Your Garden Safely
- 5、Common Misconceptions About Opossums
- 6、Comparison: Opossums vs. Other Garden Wildlife
- 7、So, Are Possums Really Good to Have Around?
- 8、What Happens When Opossums Raise Their Young in Your Yard
- 9、Opossums Through the Seasons
- 10、How to Tell If You Have an Opossum in Your Yard
- 11、Comparing Opossums Across Regions
- 12、FAQs
Are Possums Good to Have Around?
Natural Pest Control
You bet they are. I’ve seen it firsthand in my own garden — opossums are like a tiny, furry cleanup squad. They gobble up the bugs that wreck your plants, and they do it without any fuss. Slugs, snails, beetles — these are all on the menu. If you’ve ever spent hours picking Japanese beetles off your roses, you’ll appreciate having an opossum around.
Let me break this down. Opossums are omnivores with a serious appetite for insects. Unlike some other wildlife that might nibble your tomatoes, opossums prefer the creepy-crawlies that damage your garden. According to wildlife biologists, a single opossum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a single season — but we’ll get to that later. They also devour cockroaches, crickets, and even small rodents. I’ve watched one methodically clear a patch of hostas of every slug in sight. It’s not just helpful — it’s free pest control that works around the clock. And because they’re nocturnal, you rarely see them doing their job. You just wake up to healthier plants. Honestly, that’s a win in my book.
Garden Cleanup Crew
But wait — there’s more. Opossums are nature’s vacuum cleaners for fallen fruit and rotting veggies. They’ll clean up dropped apples, overripe berries, and any leftovers from your compost pile. That means less rot and fewer disease problems in your garden.
I’ve seen opossums patrol my backyard after a windstorm, tidying up every fallen peach from my old tree. They don’t dig up fresh plants — they stick to what’s already on the ground. This is a huge plus because it reduces the chance of fungal diseases like brown rot or powdery mildew. Plus, by removing fallen fruit, you’re also removing a food source for other pests like yellow jackets and rodents. It’s a chain reaction of benefits. One opossum can keep your garden cleaner than any rake. And unlike raccoons, they won’t tip over your trash cans or tear into your garage. They’re quiet, tidy little guests.
Do Possums Control Ticks?
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The Tick-Eating Machine
Yes, and it’s impressive. Opossums are meticulous groomers. Every time they clean themselves, they swallow ticks that are attached to their fur. Studies estimate that a single opossum kills about 95% of the ticks that try to hitch a ride. That’s roughly 5,000 ticks per year per opossum.
Here’s the fascinating part: opossums are not just tick victims — they’re tick exterminators. When a tick latches onto an opossum, the animal grooms it off almost immediately and eats it. Because opossums have a low body temperature, they’re actually poor hosts for ticks, so the ticks don’t stay long. But the opossum still catches them. According to a 2009 study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, opossums are incredibly effective at removing ticks from the environment. In areas with healthy opossum populations, tick densities can be significantly lower. I’ve seen this play out in my own neighborhood — we have lots of opossums, and I’ve never found a tick on my dog after walks. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a direct result of these animals doing their job.
Why Ticks Are Dangerous
So why does tick control matter? Because ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other nasty illnesses. Gardeners are especially at risk — we’re out there weeding, planting, and brushing against tall grass. A single tick bite can change your life.
I live in a part of the country where Lyme disease is a serious concern. Every spring, I hear about neighbors getting sick. But when I look at my yard, I see opossums as my first line of defense. They don’t just reduce ticks for themselves — they reduce the overall tick population in your area. Researchers estimate that an opossum can remove up to 5,000 ticks from the environment each year. That’s 5,000 fewer chances for you or your kids to get bitten. Compare that to deer, which spread ticks, or mice, which also carry them. Opossums are the unsung heroes of public health. If you’ve got opossums around, you’ve got a natural tick management system. And it works for free.
Opossum Facts
Surprising Superpowers
You might think opossums are just clumsy, slow creatures. But they have some amazing abilities. Opossums are immune to rabies and botulism. They’re also resistant to the venom of snakes, bees, and scorpions. That’s because their body temperature is too low for rabies to thrive, and they have a special protein that neutralizes venom.
Let me give you a few more wow facts. Opossums eat snakes — including copperheads and rattlesnakes. I’ve seen a video of an opossum casually chomping down on a venomous snake like it was a snack. They have a natural immunity to snake venom that’s far stronger than a mongoose’s. They also eat mice and rats, keeping rodent populations down. And they’re scavengers, so they clean up dead animals before they attract flies or disease. Their memory is excellent — they remember where they found food and return regularly. That’s great if you want them to patrol your garden, but not so great if you leave pet food out. They also have a natural resistance to fleas, though they can still carry them. Overall, these superpowers make opossums one of the most resilient and helpful mammals in North America.
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The Tick-Eating Machine
Let’s be fair — no animal is perfect. Opossums can be a nuisance if you’re not careful. They’ll eat pet food, ransack your compost pile, and sometimes take shelter in your garage or under your porch. They also carry fleas and can transmit EPM to horses.
Here’s what I’ve learned from personal experience. If you leave a bowl of kibble out for your cat overnight, you’re basically inviting an opossum buffet. They’ll come back every night because they remember. Their excellent memory works against you here. They also love garbage — a loose lid on your trash can is an open invitation. And while they don’t dig deep holes, they will take over burrows left by other animals, which can be a problem if you’re trying to keep groundhogs out. The biggest concern is EPM, a disease that affects horses. Opossum feces can contaminate hay or grain, and once a horse gets EPM, it’s incurable. So if you own horses, you need to keep opossums away from feed storage. It’s a serious risk, but manageable with proper storage. For most gardeners, the pros outweigh the cons.
How to Attract Opossums to Your Garden Safely
Creating a Welcoming Habitat
Want to invite opossums in? Start with shelter. They like brush piles, woodpiles, and the space under decks. They also need water — a shallow dish or birdbath works. And food: leave fallen fruit and let some insects thrive.
I’ve made my garden opossum-friendly by stacking a few logs near the back fence. I don’t clean up every fallen apple, and I keep a small pond with a ramp so they can drink safely. The key is to provide cover without making it too easy for them to get into your house. Opossums are shy and prefer to move along edges — fences, hedges, or stone walls. If you plant native shrubs and leave some leaf litter, you’ll create a natural highway for them. Don’t feed them directly — that’s a bad idea because it makes them dependent. Instead, let the ecosystem do the work. I’ve noticed that opossums show up when I have a lot of slugs or fallen fruit. They come and go without any fuss. You don’t have to do anything special, just stop using pesticides and let nature balance itself.
What Not to Do
There are a few pitfalls. Never leave pet food outside overnight. That’s a surefire way to attract opossums but also raccoons, skunks, and rats. Also, secure your trash cans with bungee cords or locking lids.
I learned this the hard way. One summer, I left my cat’s food bowl on the porch. Within a week, a mama opossum brought her babies. They were cute, but they also started coming into the garage. Now I feed my cat indoors after sunset. Another tip: if you have a compost pile, don’t put meat, dairy, or cooked food in it. That attracts opossums and smells bad. Use a bin with a tight lid or turn your pile regularly. Opossums are opportunists, so if you remove the easy food sources, they’ll focus on the natural food in your garden. That’s exactly what you want. Also, check for gaps in your foundation or crawlspace — seal them up. Opossums don’t dig, but they’ll use any hole that’s big enough for a cat. A little prevention goes a long way.
Common Misconceptions About Opossums
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The Tick-Eating Machine
Biggest myth: opossums are mean and dangerous. Actually, they’re timid and would rather run or play dead than fight. That “playing possum” trick is a real thing — they go limp, drool, and even emit a foul smell to fool predators.
I’ve encountered opossums many times in my yard, and they always freeze or waddle away slowly. They never charge at me or hiss. The only time they show teeth is when they’re cornered, and even then, they’d rather escape. Compare that to raccoons, which can be aggressive and carry roundworm. Opossums are much safer to have around. They’re also not a threat to your pets — a cat or small dog is more likely to chase an opossum than the other way around. Opossums rarely bite people. According to wildlife control experts, opossums account for less than 1% of all animal bites in the US. So don’t be afraid of them. They’re more scared of you than you are of them.
They’re Not Pests
Another misconception: opossums are just giant rats. No way. Opossums are marsupials — related to kangaroos and koalas — not rodents. They have a pouch, a prehensile tail, and 50 teeth. They’re actually cleaner than most rodents.
I get it — when you see a gray, pointy-nosed animal with a naked tail, it’s easy to think “rat.” But look closer. Opossums have white faces, a pink nose, and a bushy body. They’re the only marsupial in North America. They also groom themselves obsessively, which is why they eat so many ticks. They’re not disease reservoirs — they rarely carry rabies or distemper. In fact, their low body temperature makes them resistant to many diseases. Compare that to rats, which are true rodents and carry a host of illnesses. Opossums are beneficial to your property, not destructive. It’s a case of mistaken identity. Once you learn to recognize them, you’ll appreciate them the way I do — as a free, natural pest control service.
Comparison: Opossums vs. Other Garden Wildlife
Opossums vs. Raccoons
Let’s put it in a table. Opossums and raccoons both eat bugs and fruit, but they behave very differently. Raccoons are more destructive — they tear up lawns, knock over bins, and can be aggressive. Opossums are gentle and non-destructive.
Here’s a quick comparison based on my observations and verified data from wildlife studies:
| Category | Opossum | Raccoon |
|---|---|---|
| Ticks eaten per year | ~5,000 (estimate) | ~0 (they don’t groom ticks) |
| Rabies risk | Very low (immune) | Moderate (carrier) |
| Damage to garden | Minimal (eats fallen fruit) | High (rips plants, digs) |
| Aggression | Low (plays dead) | Moderate (can fight) |
| Trash raiding | Occasional | Frequent |
Opossums win hands down for garden helpers. Raccoons might eat some grubs, but they cause more trouble than they’re worth. I’ve had both in my yard, and I’ll take an opossum over a raccoon any day. Raccoons are clever but destructive; opossums are just hungry and helpful.
Opossums vs. Skunks
Skunks are also beneficial — they eat insects and grubs. But they dig up lawns for grubs, which can be a problem. And they spray, which is a dealbreaker for many people. Opossums don’t dig or spray.
I’ve had a skunk living under my shed before. It did a great job on the grubs, but it also left a smell that lasted for weeks. Opossums are odorless unless they play dead, and even then the smell fades quickly. Skunks also carry rabies more often than opossums. According to CDC data, skunks are one of the top rabies carriers in the US, while opossums are almost never positive. That’s a huge difference. If you have a choice between attracting skunks or opossums, choose opossums. They provide the same pest control without the downsides. Plus, opossums are more likely to stick around and not wander into your neighbor’s yard causing trouble.
So, Are Possums Really Good to Have Around?
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Yes, absolutely. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for most homeowners. They control ticks, eat garden pests, clean up fallen fruit, and are resistant to disease. The cons — like eating pet food or occasional shelter — are manageable with simple precautions.
I’ve been gardening for 15 years, and I’ve never regretted having opossums around. They’re like a silent, furry workforce that works while you sleep. The cost of a few spilled pet food crumbs is nothing compared to the savings on tick control services or pest sprays. If you live in an area with Lyme disease, an opossum might be your best friend. And if you’re worried about EPM, just store your horse feed in sealed containers. It’s that simple. So next time you see a beady-eyed creature in your headlights, don’t scream. Thank it. That opossum is out there eating ticks, slugs, and snakes — all for free.
Personal Advice
My rule of thumb: coexist, don’t eliminate. Opossums are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. If you have them, you’re doing something right. Just keep your trash tight, feed pets indoors, and seal up entry points to your house.
I’ve seen too many people call pest control to trap opossums, only to find their garden overrun with ticks and slugs the next year. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, learn to appreciate them. Put out a shallow water dish, leave some brush piles, and watch your garden thrive. Opossums are the unsung heroes of the suburban backyard. They’re not glamorous, but they’re effective. And if you’re still not convinced, just remember: a single opossum can eat 5,000 ticks in a year. That’s 5,000 fewer reasons to worry about Lyme disease. So go ahead — give them a little space. You’ll be glad you did.
What Happens When Opossums Raise Their Young in Your Yard
The Joey Season
Opossums breed like crazy. A female can have up to three litters a year, with around 20 babies each time. But here's the thing — only about half survive because she only has 13 nipples. That's nature keeping things in check, and it means you might see a lot of activity in late spring.
I've watched a mama opossum carry her babies on her back through my yard, and it's one of the cutest things you'll ever see. The joeys spend about two months in her pouch, then another month or two clinging to her fur. During this time, she's extra hungry and extra active. She'll patrol your garden more aggressively, eating every slug, beetle, and tick she can find. It's like having a pest control team on overtime. The downside? She might also be more persistent about scavenging. I've seen a stressed mama opossum try to get into a garage because she smelled birdseed. But that's a small price to pay for the benefits. Once the babies are independent, she'll move on, and you'll have a whole new generation of tick-eaters in the neighborhood. I've noticed that after a successful breeding season, my garden has fewer pests for months. It's a population boost that pays dividends.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Opossum
Don't rush to rescue it. Most people panic when they see a tiny opossum alone, thinking it's abandoned. But here's a fact that surprises most folks: baby opossums that are at least 8 inches long from nose to tail are usually fine on their own. They're just out exploring. I've found a few in my compost pile, and the best thing I did was leave them alone. Their mother was probably nearby. But if you find a baby that's injured, cold, or surrounded by a dead mother, that's different. You can call a wildlife rehabilitator. Never try to care for a baby opossum yourself — they have very specific dietary needs and can get metabolic bone disease if fed wrong. I once made that mistake with a rescue, and it was a disaster. So here's my rule: if it's over 8 inches and seems healthy, leave it. If it's smaller or injured, call a professional. That's the best way to help. And honestly, most of the time nature knows what it's doing better than we do.
But what about the ones that look like they're shivering? That's often a bluff. Baby opossums play dead too, just like adults. They can look sick or injured when they're actually fine. Give it space and check back in an hour — it'll probably be gone. I've seen this trick work on predators and people alike. It's a survival instinct, not a sign of distress.
Opossums Through the Seasons
Winter Survival Strategies
Opossums don't hibernate. That's a myth. They stay active all winter, but they slow down a lot. You'll see them less because they're conserving energy and staying in dens during cold snaps. Their hairless ears and tails are vulnerable to frostbite, so they're picky about where they bed down.
Here's where opossums really show their toughness. They can survive temperatures as low as −20°F if they have a good den. I've seen tracks in the snow leading to a brush pile, and sure enough, an opossum was curled up inside. They use their prehensile tails to carry extra bedding material. In winter, they rely more on scavenging than hunting because insects are scarce. That means they'll be more tempted by your compost pile or pet food. I've had opossums show up at my back door in January looking for scraps. My advice is to be extra careful with food storage in winter, because they're desperate. But also, leave them some brush piles or an unheated shelter. They'll repay you in spring by eating all the ticks that survived the cold. It's a trade-off I'm happy to make. And remember, a single opossum can eat about 5,000 ticks a year — that work starts in winter when they're grooming constantly. I've seen them pick ticks off their own fur even in freezing weather, which is both gross and amazing.
Spring and Summer Activity
Ever wonder why you see more opossums in summer than winter? It's not just the weather. They're following the food. More insects, more fruit, more warmth. If you see an opossum in July, it's probably a mother with babies, out hunting for twice as much food. I've watched a single opossum cover my entire half-acre property in one night, methodically checking every corner.
Spring and summer are peak opossum season. This is when they're most active and most visible. With longer nights and warmer weather, they cover more ground. I've seen the same opossum patrol my entire property in a single night. In spring, they're looking for bugs and fallen fruit. In summer, they're raising young. This is also the time when conflicts with humans spike because opossums are more likely to wander into gardens, garages, and patios. But here's the good news: this is also when they do the most good. A single opossum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a season, and that's on top of all the slugs and beetles. I've watched an opossum methodically work through my strawberry patch, eating every slug that was hiding under the leaves. It's a beautiful thing to witness. The key is to give them space and not freak out when you see one. They're not going to hurt you. They're just doing their job. And honestly, the more you understand their seasonal patterns, the easier it is to coexist. Summer is their high season, and your garden reaps the rewards.
How to Tell If You Have an Opossum in Your Yard
Signs to Look For
You don't always see them, but you'll see their tracks. Opossum footprints look like tiny human hands — five fingers splayed out. I've seen them in mud near my compost pile. They also leave distinctive droppings that are about the size of a small dog's, but with a twisty end.
Here's what I look for when I'm trying to figure out who's visiting my yard at night. Opossum tracks are easy to spot once you know what you're seeing. They have five toes on each foot, and the hind foot has a thumb-like toe that sticks out to the side. That's a dead giveaway. I've found them in soft soil, mud, and even snow. Their scat is another clue — it's often dark and pointed at the ends, and you'll find it near feeding areas. They also leave behind tufts of fur on fences or branches where they squeeze through. And if you have a motion-activated camera, you'll catch them on video. I've set up a cheap trail camera in my backyard, and I've gotten some incredible footage of opossums eating, grooming, and carrying babies. It's a fun way to confirm you've got a good one around. If you see signs of digging or burrowing, that's probably not an opossum — they don't dig. They use existing holes. So if you see fresh digging, raccoons or skunks are more likely.
What They Sound Like
Opossums are mostly silent, but they do make noise. I've heard them hiss and growl when cornered, but that's rare. During mating season, males make a clicking sound to attract females. It's a soft, chattering noise that's easy to miss.
If you hear scratching in your attic or walls, it's probably not an opossum. They're ground-dwellers and prefer to stay low. Raccoons and squirrels are the ones that get into attics. Opossums might take shelter under a deck or in a crawlspace, but they rarely climb into walls. So if you hear noises overhead, don't blame the opossum. I've had people tell me they heard an opossum in their ceiling, and it always turned out to be something else. Opossums grunt, hiss, and make a sneezing sound when they're alarmed. You might hear a baby opossum making a soft chirping sound if it's lost. But mostly, they're quiet. That's part of why they're so good at going unnoticed. They're the ninjas of the backyard — silent, efficient, and doing their job without any fanfare.
Comparing Opossums Across Regions
Urban vs. Rural Opossums
City opossums and country opossums behave differently. In urban areas, they rely more on garbage and pet food. In rural areas, they stick to natural food sources like insects and fruit. Their diet changes based on what's available, and that affects how they interact with you.
I've lived in both settings, and I've seen the difference firsthand. In the city, opossums are bolder. They'll walk right up to a back door if they smell food. They're also more likely to get into trash cans because there's less natural food around. In rural areas, they're shyer and more selective. They'll pass up a bowl of kibble for a patch of ripe berries. This matters because it affects how you manage them. If you live in the suburbs, you need to be more careful about securing food sources. If you're in the country, you can just let them do their thing. The table below breaks it down:
| Category | Urban Opossum | Rural Opossum |
|---|---|---|
| Primary food source | Garbage, pet food, compost | Insects, fruit, carrion |
| Boldness around humans | Moderate | Low (shy) |
| Likelihood to raid trash | High | Low |
| Average lifespan | 1–2 years (car strikes) | 2–3 years |
| Benefit to garden | Moderate (less natural food) | High (more pest control) |
So if you're in the city, you have to work a little harder to keep them out of trouble. But they're still valuable. I'd rather have a city opossum than a city raccoon any day. Raccoons are much more destructive in urban areas. Opossums are just hungry and looking for an easy meal. Make your garden their best option, and they'll stick to what's good for both of you.
Climate and Opossum Populations
Warm climates mean more opossums. They're native to the southeastern US, but they've spread as far north as Canada. Milder winters help them survive longer. In colder areas, frostbite on ears and tails is a major killer.
This is why you see more opossums in states like Texas, Georgia, or Florida. They thrive where winter is short. In the northern states, their populations fluctuate with the severity of winter. A harsh winter can wipe out a lot of opossums. But they bounce back quickly because they breed so often. I've read reports from wildlife agencies that show opossum populations increasing in the Midwest as winters get warmer. That's a trend that might continue with climate change. More opossums could mean fewer ticks, which is a silver lining. But it also means more potential conflicts with humans. The key is adapting your management strategies. If you live in a warm area, you'll have more opossums year-round. If you're in a cold area, you'll see them disappear in winter and reappear in spring. Plan accordingly. And remember, no matter where you live, opossums are doing more good than harm.
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FAQs
Q: Why are possums actually good to have around the garden?
A: In my experience, possums are one of the most underrated garden helpers you can have. They act as a natural, free pest control service. I’ve seen them munch on slugs, beetles, snails, and even cockroaches — all the critters that damage your plants. They’re also fantastic at cleaning up fallen fruit and rotting vegetation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases like brown rot in your garden. But the biggest benefit, according to research from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, is their appetite for ticks. A single possum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a single season. That’s a huge help for anyone worried about Lyme disease, especially if you’re a gardener who spends a lot of time in tall grass. They’re quiet, gentle, and work while you sleep. Honestly, I’d rather have a possum than a chemical spray can any day.
Q: Do possums really control ticks, and how many do they eat?
A: Yes, it’s not just a myth — possums are incredibly effective at controlling ticks. They’re meticulous groomers, which means every time a tick latches onto them, they groom it off and eat it. Studies estimate that a single possum kills about 95% of the ticks that try to hitch a ride, which translates to roughly 5,000 ticks per year. I’ve seen this play out in my own neighborhood. We have a healthy possum population, and I’ve never once found a tick on my dog after our walks. That’s not a coincidence. The reason they’re so effective is that possums have a low body temperature, making them poor hosts for ticks. So the ticks don’t stay long, but the possum still catches them. It’s a win-win for us. If you’re gardening in a tick-prone area, having possums around is like having a free, furry tick control service that works 24/7.
Q: How can I attract possums to my garden without causing problems?
A: Attracting possums to your garden is easier than you think, and you can do it safely. The key is to provide shelter and natural food sources without making them dependent on you. I’ve created a possum-friendly habitat by leaving a few brush piles and logs near the back fence. I also don’t clean up every fallen apple or peach from my trees — possums love that stuff. They also need water, so I keep a shallow dish or birdbath with a ramp so they can drink safely. But here’s the important part: never leave pet food out overnight. That will attract possums, but also raccoons, skunks, and rats. I learned that lesson the hard way. Also, secure your trash cans with bungee cords. The goal is to let them eat the natural pests in your garden, not your leftovers. If you stop using pesticides, the possums will show up on their own to clean up the bugs. It’s that simple.
Q: Are possums dangerous or aggressive to humans and pets?
A: This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear, and I always set the record straight. Possums are not aggressive at all. In fact, they’re one of the most timid animals you’ll ever meet. Their first instinct is to run away or play dead — that’s where the term “playing possum” comes from. I’ve encountered them dozens of times in my yard, and they always freeze or waddle away slowly. They never charge or hiss unless they’re cornered. According to wildlife control experts, possums account for less than 1% of all animal bites in the US. Compare that to raccoons, which can be aggressive and carry roundworm. Possums are also immune to rabies, so they’re not a disease risk. They’re not a threat to your cats or dogs either — a small dog is more likely to chase a possum than the other way around. So don’t be afraid of them. They’re more scared of you than you are of them.
Q: What’s the difference between a possum and a rat, and why does it matter for my garden?
A: This is a common confusion, and it matters because rats are pests, while possums are helpers. Possums are marsupials — related to kangaroos and koalas — not rodents. They have a pouch for their babies, a prehensile tail, and 50 teeth. In contrast, rats are true rodents with a different biology. Look closer: possums have white faces, pink noses, and bushy bodies, while rats have pointed noses and scaly tails. The difference is huge for your garden. Rats are destructive — they chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases like hantavirus. Possums, on the other hand, eat ticks, slugs, and snakes. They also groom themselves obsessively, which is why they eat so many ticks. They rarely carry diseases because their low body temperature makes them resistant. So if you see a gray animal with a naked tail, don’t assume it’s a rat. It’s probably a possum, and it’s helping your garden more than you know.
