Our Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program at Lake Erie Nature & Science is currently treating six baby opossums who were found orphaned in the road without Mom and were too young to live without her milk.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center typically does not take in orphaned babies because they usually have a better chance for survival in the wild.
Opossums, however, are different. They are North America’s only marsupials, meaning Mom carries her babies around in her pouch, just like a kangaroo. Opossum mothers do not nest and are often on the go. In this particular case, Mom was likely killed by a car, leaving her babies helpless.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center typically does not take in orphaned babies because they usually have a better chance for survival in the wild.Opossums, however, are different. They are North America’s only marsupials, meaning Mom carries her babies around in her pouch, just like a kangaroo. Opossum mothers do not nest and are often on the go. In this particular case, Mom was likely killed by a car, leaving her babies helpless.
Baby opossums are carried in Mom’s pouch until they are 2-3 months old and are then carried on her back for another 1-2 months. Opossums have a short life span of only 2-4 years and while young, they rely on Mom for the protection of her pouch and her milk for food.
If you see any animal that appears to be orphaned or injured, please contact Lake Erie Nature & Science Center at 440-871-2900 for more information before attempting a rescue.
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