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Possums are not aggressive toward people or pets. They are shy critters that prefer to avoid confrontations. When threatened, they may hiss, growl, or display their teeth but are more likely to play dead as a defense mechanism. Possums rarely attack unless cornered or provoked. They are not a significant threat to pets, though a curious dog or cat might provoke a defensive reaction.

If you discover a dead animal in your air ducts, address the issue promptly to prevent unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Turn off your HVAC system to prevent further spread of contaminants and contact a professional HVAC technician or pest control specialist to remove the animal and clean the affected area. They have the tools and expertise to handle the situation, including removing and disinfecting contaminated ductwork. The technician will inspect the ducts for any damage or other issues that might have allowed the animal to enter.

Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden, but there are other ways to keep deer away. You could put together a homemade deer repellent mixture using household items that deer hate. Mix hot sauce, garlic powder, liquid dish soap, and water in a spray bottle and spray it onto your plants. It won’t harm your garden or any animals but it will deter deer from chowing down. You can also plant your garden strategically by creating a perimeter of plants that deer don’t like to eat, herbs like oregano, mint, sage, and thyme.

Groundhogs are most active during the warmer months, from spring through fall. On a daily basis, they exhibit peak activity in the early morning (dawn) and late afternoon (dusk), which are their primary feeding times. They tend to stay in their cool burrows during the hottest, sunniest parts of the day. Groundhogs hibernate during the winter, typically retreating to their dens from October or November until mid to late February.