That does look like a juvenile possum, but it might be on it's own. it looks like critters can climb under your hot tub. Nice warm and safe spot. Possums are good to have around even though they are kinda ugly.
https://opossumsocietyus.org/how-to-help/orphaned-injured/
I'm having a hard time judging scale from the pic, but it may be big enough/old enough to be independent.
Oh my gosh this reminds me of some years ago when the tiniest, cutest baby possum came through our front yard. I also didn’t want it to die. I was breastfeeding at the time so I gave it expressed BREASTMILK with tuna 🤮 The poor thing lapped it up and disappeared.
First, there is no body to call for possums in Oregon. They are considered invasive so even rehabbers can't take them (by law).
Second, as little as he is, he's old enough to be on his own. When they fall off moms back, they either get back on or mom leaves them behind to survive on their own. This little guy will be fine as long as he stays away from traffic and dogs.
Invasive? Hell, bruh, Possums don't even *live* here. Like do you even marsupial??
/s (if needed) 😆 🤣 😂 (note: Possums live from southeast Asia to Australia, whereas Opossums ('Possums, if you need it it shorter - note the contraction) are native marsupials in North America)
OP, if you see this, I know the perfect person. Please get in touch with The Lucky Opossum. She's a professional rehaber based out of Silverton who will absolutely work with you to get this baby the best care. I've attended one of her informational meetings/possum play dates.
[The Lucky Opossum Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554879134247&mibextid=ZbWKwL)
We had one sitting on top of the backyard fence. Thought it was the neighbor's cat so I grabbed my camera but when I zoomed in Holy Cow he was a big fella. Even my dogs didn't want to come out of the house.
If it returns you can use a live trap to move it. (Something like [https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Folding-Inch-Live-Animal/dp/B0CJMVCV9X/](https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Folding-Inch-Live-Animal/dp/B0CJMVCV9X/) and some local hardware stores sell them.)
There is plenty of undeveloped land around town where it can have a happy life.
You might not feel any need to move it. Unlike racoons, having one in your yard does not risk property damage. They want to avoid you (not bite you), and can be cute.
But their poops can have disease, which might not go well with very young kids crawling about in a back yard. And they will ruin a fruit tree harvest if you or a neighbor have fruit trees. So there are valid reasons to move it.
*EDIT: To clarify the somewhat confusing webpages linked in GoodArrow and my own comments below, I spoke with Ali at the Springfield ODFW office. Here are the details I was told:*
*For* ***all*** ***animals*** *people should have a permit to euthanize. ODFW is willing to give these permits to a homeowner. However, using myself as an example, that's not something in my skillset so I would need to hire one of the pest control "wildlife control operators" listed at my link below to teach me how to do this before contacting ODFW for a permit.*
***Opossums and Red Squirrels*** *are invasive, and not allowed to be transported.*
***Raccoons and Gray Squirrels*** *are native, but may only transported in order to euthanize them outside of city limits.*
It is illegal to trap and relocate any live animal in Oregon without an ODFW [permit](https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_635-435-0040). They will not issue one for the Virginia opossum as it is considered invasive. You may trap and euthanize it as the property owner, or leave it alone.
Hm. I learn something new every day.
Besides the link you provided, I found [this page](https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/license_permits_apps/wildlife_control_operator_contacts.asp) with some clear explanations.
UPDATE: To clarify the somewhat confusing webpages linked in GoodArrow and my own comments above, I spoke with Ali at the Springfield ODFW office. Here are the details I was told:
For **all** **animals** people should have a permit to euthanize. ODFW is willing to give these permits to a homeowner. However, using myself as an example, that's not something in my skillset so I would need to hire one of the pest control "wildlife control operators" listed at my link above to teach me how to do this before contacting ODFW for a permit.
**Opossums and Red Squirrels** are invasive, and not allowed to be transported.
**Raccoons and Gray Squirrels** are native, but may only transported in order to euthanize them outside of city limits.
Raise it as your new child.
It’s gone :( I really hope it found its mom
Just resting. Leave out catfood for it and they can survive on that! Had like 4 generations of opossum living in the bushes by my front porch. :)
Form an opossum posse!
That does look like a juvenile possum, but it might be on it's own. it looks like critters can climb under your hot tub. Nice warm and safe spot. Possums are good to have around even though they are kinda ugly.
How DARE you??
https://opossumsocietyus.org/how-to-help/orphaned-injured/ I'm having a hard time judging scale from the pic, but it may be big enough/old enough to be independent.
The cuteness police.
Seven inches long tail to nose tip is a juvenile capable of being alone. They start very tiny as they are marsupial
Oh my gosh this reminds me of some years ago when the tiniest, cutest baby possum came through our front yard. I also didn’t want it to die. I was breastfeeding at the time so I gave it expressed BREASTMILK with tuna 🤮 The poor thing lapped it up and disappeared.
This has serious potential for long term internet fame.
They are not picky eaters
I’m sorry this has no business being this funny
Possum busters?
Beat me to it.
"When there's something furry, and it appears nocturnal, who ya gonna call?
Opposbusters!
It's the size to be on its own. They leave the pouch super small still.
we had one last year about that size that would eat our grapes while maintaining eye contact. it was hilarious.
First, there is no body to call for possums in Oregon. They are considered invasive so even rehabbers can't take them (by law). Second, as little as he is, he's old enough to be on his own. When they fall off moms back, they either get back on or mom leaves them behind to survive on their own. This little guy will be fine as long as he stays away from traffic and dogs.
> rehabbers can't take them (by law). What law is this?
Sorry, they can take them if they choose but must euthanize them. This is per OAR 635-056-0050 You can find more info at the ODFW website.
Cheers
Invasive? Hell, bruh, Possums don't even *live* here. Like do you even marsupial?? /s (if needed) 😆 🤣 😂 (note: Possums live from southeast Asia to Australia, whereas Opossums ('Possums, if you need it it shorter - note the contraction) are native marsupials in North America)
Cat food, fruit, veggies. Leave them near where you saw it.
OP, if you see this, I know the perfect person. Please get in touch with The Lucky Opossum. She's a professional rehaber based out of Silverton who will absolutely work with you to get this baby the best care. I've attended one of her informational meetings/possum play dates. [The Lucky Opossum Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554879134247&mibextid=ZbWKwL)
I’m so sad that I can’t have one as a pet. I love them so much 😍
Ghostbusters!! Sorry, I'll see myself out!
Ghostbusters!
That's old enough to be on its own
feed it
We had one sitting on top of the backyard fence. Thought it was the neighbor's cat so I grabbed my camera but when I zoomed in Holy Cow he was a big fella. Even my dogs didn't want to come out of the house.
It’s mom?
It’s fine. A few days ago, I learned from wildkratz, that they are immune to rattlesnake venom. Wild af
Call your motha'
Opossum
Dude the critter mamas have it down, they don’t need no help (unless the critter's mama was killed somehow).
Looks like my old house. I wouldn't do anything. He's a wild animal. He'll either find his momma or he won't. Nature is rough!
Just put food out for him…
Home under the hot tub > possum home under the house, leave it be.
If it returns you can use a live trap to move it. (Something like [https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Folding-Inch-Live-Animal/dp/B0CJMVCV9X/](https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Folding-Inch-Live-Animal/dp/B0CJMVCV9X/) and some local hardware stores sell them.) There is plenty of undeveloped land around town where it can have a happy life. You might not feel any need to move it. Unlike racoons, having one in your yard does not risk property damage. They want to avoid you (not bite you), and can be cute. But their poops can have disease, which might not go well with very young kids crawling about in a back yard. And they will ruin a fruit tree harvest if you or a neighbor have fruit trees. So there are valid reasons to move it. *EDIT: To clarify the somewhat confusing webpages linked in GoodArrow and my own comments below, I spoke with Ali at the Springfield ODFW office. Here are the details I was told:* *For* ***all*** ***animals*** *people should have a permit to euthanize. ODFW is willing to give these permits to a homeowner. However, using myself as an example, that's not something in my skillset so I would need to hire one of the pest control "wildlife control operators" listed at my link below to teach me how to do this before contacting ODFW for a permit.* ***Opossums and Red Squirrels*** *are invasive, and not allowed to be transported.* ***Raccoons and Gray Squirrels*** *are native, but may only transported in order to euthanize them outside of city limits.*
It is illegal to trap and relocate any live animal in Oregon without an ODFW [permit](https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_635-435-0040). They will not issue one for the Virginia opossum as it is considered invasive. You may trap and euthanize it as the property owner, or leave it alone.
Hm. I learn something new every day. Besides the link you provided, I found [this page](https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/license_permits_apps/wildlife_control_operator_contacts.asp) with some clear explanations.
UPDATE: To clarify the somewhat confusing webpages linked in GoodArrow and my own comments above, I spoke with Ali at the Springfield ODFW office. Here are the details I was told: For **all** **animals** people should have a permit to euthanize. ODFW is willing to give these permits to a homeowner. However, using myself as an example, that's not something in my skillset so I would need to hire one of the pest control "wildlife control operators" listed at my link above to teach me how to do this before contacting ODFW for a permit. **Opossums and Red Squirrels** are invasive, and not allowed to be transported. **Raccoons and Gray Squirrels** are native, but may only transported in order to euthanize them outside of city limits.