When winter arrives in Grand Rapids, many animals prepare for the cold by hibernating or storing food. Homeowners often wonder if opossums hibernate during the colder months. The answer is no, opossums do not hibernate. Instead, they have unique ways of surviving harsh Michigan winters, and understanding their behavior can help you protect your home from unwanted visits.
Opossum Behavior and Signs of Activity in Winter
Unlike some wildlife, opossums remain active year-round. Because they don’t hibernate, they must continue foraging for food even when snow covers the ground. Their thin fur and nearly hairless tails and ears leave them vulnerable to frostbite, which often drives them to seek warmth and shelter in human structures. Basements, attics, sheds, and garages can become attractive hiding spots when natural shelter is scarce.
Even though opossums tend to avoid direct encounters, they leave behind signs that can alert you to their presence. Homeowners may notice:
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Tracks in snow or mud: Small hand-like prints with a thumb-like toe.
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Noises at night: Scratching, rustling, or slow movements in attics, crawl spaces, or walls.
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Droppings: Similar in size to cat feces, often left in attics or near entry points.
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Disturbed trash or compost: Garbage cans knocked over or food scraps scattered.
Spotting these clues in winter often means an opossum is seeking warmth and food near your home.
What Opossums Eat During Cold Weather
Food sources are limited in winter, but opossums are opportunistic eaters. They will scavenge from garbage cans, compost piles, and pet food bowls left outside. They may also hunt small rodents or insects that remain active. This scavenging behavior often brings them closer to homes, where the promise of food and warmth is easier to find.
How Opossums Compare to Other Animals in Winter
It’s easy to confuse opossum behavior with that of other wildlife. Raccoons, for example, don’t hibernate either, but they may sleep for several days during extreme cold, while opossums stay active. Skunks will slow down in winter but rarely enter true hibernation, instead grouping together in dens for warmth. Squirrels gather and store food in fall to sustain themselves through winter, while opossums rely on scavenging. Knowing these differences can help you identify which animal may be causing activity around your home.
The Risks of Winter Opossum Activity
Although opossums are generally shy and non-aggressive, their presence near or inside your home can create problems. They may tear insulation, damage ductwork, and leave behind urine and droppings that create strong odors and potential health concerns. They can also attract other pests, like fleas or ticks, into your living space.
How to Keep Opossums Out This Winter
To prevent opossums from turning your home into a winter refuge, consider these steps:
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Secure entry points: Seal cracks, holes, or weak spots in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
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Protect food sources: Use secure lids on trash cans, bring pet food indoors, and avoid leaving compost uncovered.
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Trim outdoor vegetation: Overgrown shrubs or tree branches can provide easy access to roofs and attics.
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Call a professional: If you suspect an opossum has already moved in, professional wildlife control ensures safe and humane removal.
Professional Help in Grand Rapids
Opossums may not hibernate, but their winter survival strategies can make them unwelcome houseguests. At Critter Control of Grand Rapids, we provide humane solutions to keep your home protected throughout the year. Our team identifies entry points, removes wildlife safely, and helps prevent future intrusions so you can enjoy a critter-free winter.