1. Assess the Situation:
* Safety first: Approach the opossum cautiously. It may be in shock or scared, and could bite or scratch. Wear thick gloves for protection.
* Severity of injury: Is the opossum bleeding heavily? Does it have a broken bone? Can it walk or stand?
* Environment: Is it in a safe spot, or is it in danger from traffic or predators?
2. Immediate Action:
* If the opossum is in immediate danger (e.g., in the road, near traffic), try to move it to a safer location. Use a blanket or towel to gently guide it away.
* If it's safe, leave the opossum alone and monitor it from a distance. Opossums are incredibly resilient and may recover on their own.
* Do not attempt to handle the opossum if it is aggressive or bleeding heavily.
3. Contacting Wildlife Rehabilitators:
* Find a local wildlife rehabilitator: Search online for "wildlife rehab near me" or contact your local animal control.
* Provide information: Tell them the location, type of injury (if known), and the opossum's condition.
* Follow their instructions: They will advise you on how to proceed, whether to bring the opossum to them or leave it where it is.
Important Considerations:
* Opossums are nocturnal: They are most active at night and may be sleeping during the day. If you see an opossum during the day, it might be injured or sick.
* Opossums play a vital role in the ecosystem: They help control pest populations and spread seeds.
* Handling wild animals can be dangerous: It's best to leave injured wildlife to trained professionals.
Additional Resources:
* The Humane Society of the United States: [https://www.humanesociety.org/](https://www.humanesociety.org/)
* The ASPCA: [https://www.aspca.org/](https://www.aspca.org/)
By following these steps, you can help ensure the safety of both the injured opossum and yourself. Remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.