Q: Should I let a possum live in my yard?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re an animal lover and want to support biodiversity, consider letting a possum live peacefully in your yard. Possums rarely contract rabies or behave aggressively, and they can keep problematic rat, mouse, cockroach, slug, snail, and tick populations down. You might just want to make some modifications to prevent them from making a home in your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces.</p></div>

Question 1

Will a bobcat go after my pets?

Accepted Answer

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Bobcats do attack domesticated animals, like small dogs and cats. Your pets are especially at risk if they’re below 30 pounds. The best way to protect your pets is to keep them safely indoors at night when bobcats are more likely to be roaming or being outside with your pets so they’re not unaccompanied.

Question 2

What are foxes afraid of?

Accepted Answer

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Hazing is an effective strategy for keeping foxes away from your yard because these wild animals are usually scared of people, loud noises, and sudden movements. If you have a large dog patrolling the yard, that’s also usually a powerful deterrent for foxes. You can also use hazing to keep badgers away from your yard, along with pests like raccoons and coyotes.

Question 3

Are possums aggressive to people and pets?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 4

Should I let a possum live in my yard?

Accepted Answer

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If you’re an animal lover and want to support biodiversity, consider letting a possum live peacefully in your yard. Possums rarely contract rabies or behave aggressively, and they can keep problematic rat, mouse, cockroach, slug, snail, and tick populations down. You might just want to make some modifications to prevent them from making a home in your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces.

Question 5

What should you do if there’s a dead animal in your air ducts?

Accepted Answer

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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.