Orphaned Opossums Released Into Wild After Being Rescued, Reared by Pasadena Humane

Three orphaned opossums were brought to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA three months ago.

They could easily fit in the palm of a hand at the time. Rescuers from the Pasadena Humane’s Wildlife section used tiny bottles to feed the miniature marsupials several times a day as they grew and built their strength.

Once they were big enough, the young opossums were transferred into an outdoor aviary, where they were able to hone their climbing and foraging skills, according to PHS.

The big day finally came. PHS posted video online Thursday of the animals cautiously scampering into some hedges after being released to start new lives.

The agency offers some tips on how to deal with small mammals that appear to be in trouble.

If the animal is found near a nest or den, and it remains intact, the critter should be placed back inside, experts advise. If there is no visible den or nest, a human good Samaritan can make one and leave it close to where the animal was found.

The advice then is to allow the animal to cry, which will hopefully attract its mother, according to PHS guidelines. Playing an audio recording of the animal, such as from YouTube, may help encourage the distressed animal to vocalize.

The mother may not return so long as there is any sign of human presence, and some will only return at dusk or dawn, officials said. But if the animal’s mother hasn’t returned within four to six hours, or overnight, then it’s time to contact the PHS.

If it’s determined that an animal does need human help, PHS reminds anyone who chooses to intervene of some precautions to keep both people and the animals they are trying to rescue safe.

A transport container can be fashioned from a small cardboard box or a paper bag with ventilation holes and lined with soft, clean cloth that has no strings or loops.

Gloves should be worn to protect from bites and scratches, as well as from any possible diseases or or parasites the animal may be carrying.

“Cover the animal with a light sheet or towel and gently put it in the prepared container,” according to a PHS statement. “Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed. Keep the container in a warm, dark, quiet place away from kids and pets. Do not attempt to feed it unless you have sought professional advice.”
If the animal appears cold to the touch, a bottle filled with warm water wrapped in a cloth can be placed next to it to help warm it up.

“Don’t keep an injured or sick mammal at your home longer than necessary,” according to the PHS statement.

Hands should be washed immediately after handling a wild animal.
The PHS or an appropriate wildlife center should be contacted immediately, officials said. The PHS emergency hotline can be reached around the clock at 626-792-7151.