A Texas homeowner who noticed a huge hole under their house set up a night camera and caught footage of an opossum carrying 10 babies on its back, according to a report from The Cool Down. I read the article, which quoted the homeowner saying, “I was thrilled. I replayed the footage 100 times.” The homeowner had no intention of removing the opossum and instead viewed the visit as a positive sign of backyard wildlife.
The hole was large enough to raise concern about what might be living underneath the structure. Opossums often seek shelter under porches, decks, and houses, especially when raising young. If you find a hole under your home, it’s wise to check whether an animal has taken up residence before sealing it. If you suspect raccoons are the culprit, my guide on raccoons living under my house can help you assess the situation and decide on next steps.
What this means for Texas homeowners
Opossums are common across Texas and are generally not aggressive. They are marsupials that carry their young in a pouch initially, then on their backs as the babies grow. While finding an opossum under your house may be surprising, the animals are beneficial to have around because they eat ticks, snails, and garden pests. Texas does not have a specific season for opossum removal, and the Texas Department of State Health Services notes that opossums rarely carry rabies due to their low body temperature, though any wild animal bite should be reported.
If you prefer the opossum to move on, you can wait until the babies are independent, usually by late fall, and then seal the entrance with hardware cloth or wire mesh after ensuring no animals remain inside. For homeowners who hear scratching or scampering but aren’t sure what animal is present, my guide on signs of squirrels in your house lists scratching sounds, droppings, and chewed entry points as common clues, though opossums tend to make heavier thumping noises.
The primary source for this story is The Cool Down.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
