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Yes, Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are primarily nocturnal. They are most active after dark, foraging for food, water, and shelter throughout the night. While they are occasionally seen during the day, especially in cold weather or when food is scarce, daytime activity is uncommon and may indicate the animal is stressed or ill. This guide covers possum nocturnal behavior, why it matters, and what to expect if you have one in your yard.
Key Takeaways
- Possums are nocturnal, most active from dusk to dawn. Daytime sightings are unusual.
- They are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell (olfactory detection over 100 yards).
- Possums are not aggressive and rarely carry rabies due to their low body temperature.
- They can squeeze through gaps as small as 3 to 4 inches, making exclusion challenging.
In This Guide
Are Possums Nocturnal?
Yes, Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are nocturnal marsupials. They are North America’s only marsupial and are most active after dark. Their nightly routine typically begins around dusk and continues until dawn, with peak activity in the first few hours after sunset.
Possums are opportunistic omnivores with a highly developed sense of smell. They can detect food sources from over 100 yards away using their olfactory system. Their large eyes are adapted for low-light vision, making nighttime foraging efficient and safe from many predators.
Typical Nightly Behavior
- Foraging: Possums spend 4-6 hours each night searching for food. They eat insects, small rodents, fruits, vegetables, carrion, and garbage.
- Travel: They travel 1-2 miles per night within their home range, following established pathways along fences, walls, and tree lines.
- Denning: During the day, they sleep in dens located in tree hollows, brush piles, under decks, or in abandoned burrows. They do not dig their own dens.
- Grooming: Possums are fastidious groomers and spend time cleaning themselves after foraging.
- Mating: Breeding season runs from January to October, with peak activity in late winter and early summer.
| Activity | Time of Day | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Foraging | Night (dusk to dawn) | 4-6 hours |
| Sleeping | Daytime | 12-16 hours |
| Mating season activity | Night, with occasional daytime movement | Variable |
| Winter activity | Reduced, may be active during warm daylight hours | 2-4 hours |
Daytime Possum Sightings
While possums are nocturnal, daytime sightings do happen. Common reasons include:
- Cold weather: During winter, possums may forage during the warmest part of the day to conserve energy.
- Food scarcity: If food is scarce, a possum may extend its foraging into daylight hours.
- Disturbance: If its den is disturbed, the possum may be forced to find a new shelter during the day.
- Illness or injury: A sick or injured possum may be active during the day. However, possums have a low body temperature (94-97°F) that makes them poor rabies hosts.
- Mother with young: A nursing mother may move her babies during the day if the den is compromised.
Living With Possums
Possums are generally beneficial to have around. They eat ticks, insects, small rodents, and carrion. A single possum can consume up to 5,000 ticks per season. However, if one becomes a nuisance, here are humane management tips:
- Secure garbage cans with locking lids. Possums are opportunistic feeders.
- Remove pet food and birdseed from outdoors at night.
- Seal gaps under decks, porches, and sheds with 1/2 inch galvanized hardware cloth buried 4 inches below ground.
- Install motion-activated lights to deter nighttime foraging.
- Use a live trap (32 x 10 x 12 inches minimum) baited with canned fish or fruit if removal is necessary. Check local regulations first.
For more possum control, read our possum backyard guide and possum disease guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are possums nocturnal or crepuscular?
Possums are primarily nocturnal, with peak activity after dark. They may also be crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) during certain seasons. Their activity pattern is driven by food availability, temperature, and predator avoidance.
Do possums come out during the day?
Occasionally, but it is not typical. Daytime sightings are more common in winter when food is scarce, or when a possum has been displaced from its den. A healthy possum seen during the day is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Are possums active in winter?
Possums do not hibernate, but they reduce their activity during cold weather. They may stay in their den for several days during extreme cold snaps. They are at risk of frostbite on their hairless ears and tails.
What time do possums come out at night?
Possums typically emerge from their dens shortly after sunset, around 30 minutes to 1 hour after dark. Peak activity occurs in the first 3 hours of the night. They may return to their den and emerge again before dawn.
Are Australian possums different from American opossums?
Yes. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America’s only marsupial. Australian possums belong to a different family (Phalangeridae) and are more closely related to kangaroos. The terms “possum” and “opossum” are often used interchangeably in North America.
The Bottom Line
Possums are primarily nocturnal marsupials that are most active at night. They are generally beneficial animals that eat ticks, insects, and carrion. Daytime sightings are not necessarily a sign of illness. If you have a possum in your yard, the best approach is to leave it alone. Secure food sources and seal entry points if it becomes a nuisance. Possums have a low stress tolerance and will usually move on if they do not feel safe.
