Thanks To This Neighborhood Opossum Going Viral, Everyone Is Talking About How Awesome These Critters Are

Opossums get a bad reputation and they genuinely do not deserve it.

Elana

• Published in Interesting
• December 24, 2019

Opossums are the only marsupial in the United States (and Canada,) but that fun-fact hasn't prevented the little critters from getting the reputation of "local pest." At a glance, they're a little unsettling to look at so people have not felt very guilty about disliking them. However, the truth is that possums are pretty cool, little critters and when one Louisiana resident shared a picture of one on r/aww, a subreddit normally dedicated to Reddit's most precious and adorable, things took an unexpected turn for the positive.

The possum known as Hank is pictured cozy and cuddly, albeit grumpy as heck, in u/damndirtycracker's aunt's garage and he decided it was quite important to appreciate Hank.

You see, Hank is a frequent visitor to the woman's garage but with winter approaching quickly, the family grew concerned for Hank's well-being and safety. He was sleeping frequently in the garage anyway, so in true southern hospitality fashion known for the folks of Louisiana, aunty set up a bed and began to provide snacks and treats for 'ol Hank.

“Gotta admit, that’s one ugly cat,” says one comment. Persnickety? Nah, just typical tongue and cheek responses that are often littered throughout r/aww, one of Reddit's most popular subreddits. It's normally topping off with puppies, kittens, and wholesome content like dads and their kids or siblings being sweet, not to mention all the adorable wild animals the world has to offer. It's a rather pleasant subreddit in corner of the Internet that can be less than savory.

People were intrigued by the photo and the caption shared and began asking questions. Domesticated opossums are a thing, but that's not very common.

That's when the fun-fats began rolling in.

As I eluded earlier, opossums get a bad reputation but it's simply not deserved.

Many pests that find their way into your trash bins are known for carrying rabies (like the fat bandit: raccoon,) so opossums got lumped in with the lot. However, they don't carry rabies and they consume pests that carry disease.

This Louisiana aunt is setting a great example.

Opossums: misunderstood as heck.

Sometimes breaking the norm results in a new appreciation and love for animals like possums. Especially old grumpy ones like Hank.

I mean, look at these things. They're SO much cuter than we've been giving them credit for.

Being kind to possums in your neighborhood is a great idea.

s m i l e y b o i

A new nickname is born.

OH NO

According to Parker Wildlife Control, opossums can give birth to up to 20 babies, but usually only half make it to mama's pouch.

According to Wikipedia, a wild North American opossum will only live two years, and a captive one will only live an additional two years for a total of four. That's devastatingly short for such helpful critters.

But if you should find an opossum in your neighborhood, feed him ticks. If you have any laying around. Otherwise, kibble and scraps will do just nicely.

Possums are omnivores, though.

So, as you can see from cute videos like this: they'll eat your fruits, veggies, and nuts, too!

Let us know in the comments what you think of possums! Don't forget to share with your critter loving friends.

Elana