What to Do if You Find a Baby Possum
Springtime often brings an increase in sightings of baby possums, or joeys, especially if they’ve become separated from their mothers. It’s a common occurrence for a joey to be found alone, and in most cases, this happens because the baby has fallen off or lost its mother.
Key Takeaways
- Baby possums, or joeys, are commonly found during spring as they may fall or get separated from their mothers.
- Always call a local wildlife group to assess the joey’s condition and provide appropriate care.
- If you find a dead female possum, check the pouch for a joey. Do not remove the joey from the teat to avoid causing harm.
- Place the joey in a dark, secure pouch (like a sock), keep it warm using a warm hot water bottle or similar, and transport it to a wildlife-friendly vet or carer as soon as possible.
- Handling the joey can cause stress, so avoid it unless necessary and focus on keeping the possum safe and warm until professional help.
If you come across a baby possum, please contact your local wildlife rescue group. They will be able to assess the joey’s age, species, and check for any potential injuries.
Occasionally, a baby possum may still be attached to its deceased mother. If you find a dead female possum, always check the pouch to see if a joey is inside. If you find one still attached to the mother’s teat, do not try to pull it off. Doing so can damage the joey’s palate, which is often fatal. In these cases, it is best to take the deceased mother, with the joey still in the pouch, to a wildlife-friendly veterinary clinic or a wildlife carer. Always call ahead to inform them of the situation before you arrive.
How to Identify the Type of Possum
There are two common types of possums that you might encounter in Australia: the Ringtail Possum and the Brushtail Possum. Ringtails are typically smaller, with brown to black fur and a distinctive white tip at the end of their long, thin tails. They also have small, rounded ears and pale fur on their bellies. Brushtail possums, on the other hand, are larger and have grey to brown fur. Their long, furry black tails have a hairless strip, and their ears are larger and more cat-like in appearance.
Immediate Steps to Care for a Baby Possum
If you find a baby possum, remember where it was located as this information might be useful for rescuers. Place the joey in a dark, secure pouch, such as a sock, to help it feel safe. Then, place the joey inside a small box or carrier lined with towels to keep it secure and warm. It’s important to avoid holding the joey, as this can cause unnecessary stress to the animal.
To help keep the joey warm, you can use a hot water bottle or fill a disposable rubber glove with hot tap water. Place this alongside the joey in the box, ensuring it remains safe and secure during transport. Once you’ve followed these steps, take the joey to a wildlife rescue group or veterinary clinic as soon as possible for proper care and assessment.
By acting quickly and following these guidelines, you can give the baby possum the best chance of survival and recovery.
Always reach out to professionals who are equipped to care for and rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife.
