How hard does an opossum bite?

Opossums have fairly weak bites compared to other mammals of similar size. Their teeth are more suited for shredding and tearing than for crushing or piercing.

While they can certainly inflict a painful bite, it's unlikely to be as severe as a bite from a dog or a cat. However, their saliva can carry bacteria, so any bite should be cleaned and disinfected immediately.

Here's a breakdown of their bite strength:

* Not as strong as other mammals: Their bite force is relatively low, especially compared to canines or other carnivores.

* Sharp, but not powerful: Their teeth are sharp and can cause cuts, but they lack the power to inflict deep wounds.

* More shredding than crushing: Their teeth are designed for tearing through flesh and skin, rather than crushing bones or inflicting deep punctures.

It's important to remember that opossums are wild animals and should be treated with respect. While their bites are not particularly strong, they can still cause injury and infection. If you are bitten by an opossum, seek medical attention immediately.