Baby Opossums Found Inside a Mother’s Pouch

From early spring to late summer, the abdominal pouches of dead female opossums should be checked for babies prior to disposal of the body. Newborn opossums attach themselves to their mother by latching onto one of her nipples. They will not disengage themselves from their mother’s nipple even if she has died. Trying to forcefully remove an attached baby can harm them. If babies are found alive inside the pouch of a dead adult, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for removal of the babies and care of the young.

Please note that due to limited resources, TWC is unable to care for baby opossums at this very young age. Please seek assistance from another wildlife rehabilitator; see the OMNRF list of authorized wildlife rehabilitators and/or the map on our website for more information.

Please click here if you’re unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator able to take opossum babies at this very young age.