SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center officials are asking for help from the public saving the lives of opossums, North America’s only marsupial.
Wildlife officials said opossums are beneficial to our local environment, as they eat pests like cockroaches, mice, rats, snails and slugs, and just one opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks in a single season.
They said spring is the season for baby opossums and for female opossums to be carrying babies in their pouches, while foraging for food. Many wind up being hit in roadways by vehicles.
Officials ask people whose vehicles hit opossums to please save the lives of any surviving babies by following these directions:
Wildlife center officials said they cared for 79 opossum babies rescued after their mothers were hit by cars in 2021. They rescue more than 2,500 injured or orphaned wild animals each year.
To donate to help, please visit www.SPCAmc.org/donate. To report injured, sick or orphaned wildlife in Monterey County, please call (831) 264-5427.
Last modified March 8, 2022 2:18 pm
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