Loathsome Species: The Virginia Opossum

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  • Опубліковано 6 вер 2010
  • healthypets.mercola.com/ Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive veterinarian shares some amazing facts and information about Virginia Opposums and clears common misconceptions about other loathsome animals.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 94

  • @svtcontour
    @svtcontour 12 років тому +52

    I think they are pretty damn cute. All animals deserve a chance at life.

  • @kahllielepida9205
    @kahllielepida9205 11 років тому +50

    Our city neighborhood used to be overrun with rats. Since opossums and raccoons moved in, the number of rats has drastically declined. We put food and clean water in the greenhouse, if they prefer that to the pond's water and foraging. Opossum babies have been left in the greenhouse, and lived there until they got much larger. They are delightful to watch, and we enjoy sharing high quality cat food (wet and dry), fruit, and can's of Jack Mackerel with them. Our yard is registered with NWF.

  • @snakesteve68
    @snakesteve68 12 років тому +15

    BRAVO what a great PSA about the wonderful Opossum! I am also a wildlife rehaber and had a gentle rescue 'possum for over a year. Potter was a great ambassador for his species and he changed the way many people view the Opossum. I applaud your work Dr. Becker- Thank you and Clara for teaching people the truth about this " loathsome" species.

  • @ericaharvey2829
    @ericaharvey2829 12 років тому +6

    I rescued one female opossum and later raised two males that had been in their mothers pouch when she and the rest of the litter were killed by a car. and learned soo much about these wonderful animals. In addition to what Dr.Becker has presented, I found that they love to cuddle and be cuddled, they can and will bond with you, and adjust their schedule in order to spend time with you. They are also prescribed as therapy animals in areas they are legal to own. Natural tranquilizers.

  • @jlair
    @jlair 12 років тому +14

    awl opossums are soo cute! i dont understand those who dont like them or think they are weird looking. im soo glad i got to enjoy the ones that would come around in the winter and the babies are even cuter!!!! wish i had one as a pet!

  • @LibisFish
    @LibisFish 12 років тому +4

    You should do a spot on pigeons. People seem to think they're more dangerous than other birds. A bald eagle will give you the same diseases. Glad to see someone giving opossums some love. The one I've met (got to know him during a zoo internship) was a complete doll.

  • @Femfelis1
    @Femfelis1 11 років тому +28

    Try putting out some sliced bananas, grapes or raspberries (the latter fermented for three days first) right around sundown in late fall and winter. Possums love fruit, and it's good for them. Back when I was feeding them, I'd also set up sheltered feeding stations under an unused car on particularly cold days, and then shoveled a path from their entrance point to the stations. Snow and deep cold are very painful to their feet. Quality cat kibble is also good, but don't give too much.

  • @PapillonOne
    @PapillonOne 13 років тому +11

    Thank you for taking the time to introduce Clara and especially for enlightening us about how "undangerous" these creatures are.

  • @tintannabulation
    @tintannabulation 12 років тому +13

    Clara is so cute, sitting on her chair nibbling on her snacks

  • @Mainsail76
    @Mainsail76 12 років тому +6

    I had a opossum spend the entire winter in my garage year before last. I left the side door open one day on accident, and he came in, and didn't leave until late February. He smelled a bit bad, but he was alright. My cats could sense or probably smell that he was in there, so I let them in, and they checked him out. He was a bit of a novelty for them, but he became just another part of the clan after a few days.

  • @Jajonbifulco1
    @Jajonbifulco1 12 років тому +13

    Thank you for your video Dr. Becker!.. It's a shame how cruel people can be just out of ignorance. They just have to realize that God put every creature on this earth for a reason and each and every one has an important purpose that is so important for the natural maintanence of our beautiful world! Nature really knows best.

  • @trilobright
    @trilobright 12 років тому +7

    My finger was hovering over the dislike button when I read the title, but when I realized Dr Becker is trying to DISPEL the notion that opossums are "loathsome", I changed my mind very quickly.

  • @doggiesarus
    @doggiesarus 12 років тому +3

    I totally love opossums. When I retire, I would like to be a wildlife rehabilitator. I have been studying the various species, and how to care for them.

  • @cheeseburger6001
    @cheeseburger6001 12 років тому +7

    this has changed my perspective thanks :D

  • @nolls888
    @nolls888 12 років тому +3

    To me their eyes and hands are the most interesting features. They are so cute. :3 I wonder if it would be okay to hide tidbits of food around the house. You know.. give her something to do, kinda like a game so she wont be bored.

  • @Kelo60
    @Kelo60 12 років тому +8

    I want a Opossum. But I couldn't take 2 - 4 years loving something. And they die. :(

  • @OrisLover
    @OrisLover 12 років тому +5

    A wonderful presentation. Thank you for posting!

  • @kibblesthesquirrel
    @kibblesthesquirrel 12 років тому +3

    I rehabilitate possums and have two non releasable boys. they are gentle (tho they can and DO bite if startled or cornered) and intelligent. get to know them and you'll be addicted too.

  • @leadingbeecominghome
    @leadingbeecominghome 12 років тому +2

    Claria is sooo cute ! my possum"s name is Popsie . She is a little over a year old . We rescued her from our cat and we had intended to release her , but she is too pampered and spoiled to released now . We just love her . I take her with me in her doggy stroller to the fairs and such so children and adults can pet her and learn about her . :)

  • @dlr4767
    @dlr4767 12 років тому +2

    I have a troup of opossoms that regularly visit my kitchen for cat food and water. I just say "Hi Oscar" and let them be. My kittie investigates them, but they don't bother her. I love that that I get to see them. They trek in about 10 pm and do their wondering and come in again about 3 am. I live in Southern California - in the San Fernando Valley.

  • @bajaman123X
    @bajaman123X 12 років тому +3

    Yes, they are very tolerant of snake venom (though they don't prey on snakes naturally) and..amazingly...are seemingly immune to rabies.

  • @MrMyKidd
    @MrMyKidd 12 років тому +4

    Thank you for making this video, it was very informative, and entertaining.

  • @CristyHoward
    @CristyHoward 12 років тому +3

    You're philosophy and scientific presentation of wild animals is amazing! Thanks :)

  • @seyfertNGC501
    @seyfertNGC501 12 років тому

    Thankyou so much for making this video. I have shared it and urged my friends to watch.

  • @evphan
    @evphan 11 років тому +4

    Thank you so much for the video!

  • @Funzies1
    @Funzies1 13 років тому +1

    Really nice video. What she didn't mention is that Opossums are one of few animals going after full grown rats. IF you are lucky enough to have your own "Resident Opossum" you will never have a rodent problem. Hope this video will help people feel a bit more kindly towards an animal that is GREAT to have in your yard.

  • @etown858
    @etown858 12 років тому +2

    great video!- very educational and what beautiful animal!

  • @JustAnotherPersonHere
    @JustAnotherPersonHere 13 років тому

    Nice video. Thank you for presenting this information.

  • @da959
    @da959 11 років тому +11

    Interesting info about these guys! I always thought they looked like giant rats,but I now understand them a little better. Thank you for the video and helping me to learn something new.

  • @TrueTempleDog
    @TrueTempleDog 13 років тому +2

    possums be awesome! Thanks for the info!

  • @no1sname
    @no1sname 13 років тому +1

    Good for you Karen!
    This is definitely a message that needs to be told.
    I don't wince when I think about or encounter any of the animals you listed, as a matter of fact I LOVE snakes and bats. : )
    Although, I will admit I never knew even half the information you said about opossums. I had to rescue an opossum from some dogs once before it got killed and it had its mouth open hissing at me. He or she didn't want to budge at all. : P

  • @Bernworx
    @Bernworx 12 років тому +2

    Good on you for educating people on Possums , the poor little guys have a hard time finding people that like them . I have one that drops in every night for a little snack from the fruit bowl and he is definitely not a nuisance . Have a look at him

  • @mamaloochie
    @mamaloochie 13 років тому

    a great lesson from an easy to understand expert

  • @paul1964uk
    @paul1964uk 12 років тому +3

    Start at 3:36

  • @SoCalAdventurer19
    @SoCalAdventurer19 12 років тому

    this was a great and informative video.

  • @loubluemoon
    @loubluemoon 12 років тому

    I love this!!!

  • @etown858
    @etown858 12 років тому

    great video!- very educational and what beautiful animal!
    i'm actually going to school in hopes of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator

  • @IgnacioAgramonte
    @IgnacioAgramonte 11 років тому +1

    great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @mamaloochie
    @mamaloochie 13 років тому +1

    We wish that you were in our area, we love the possums.

  • @Prinzpoldi1985
    @Prinzpoldi1985 12 років тому

    this is great

  • @bajaman123X
    @bajaman123X 12 років тому +2

    Yes, and they are also seeming immune from rabies. Cool creatures.

  • @dobbins2550
    @dobbins2550 12 років тому +2

    2-4 year life span, damn, that's sad. They are so cute.

  • @rem831
    @rem831 12 років тому +2

    They eat oranges off of the tree in my backyard.

  • @airplanegeorge
    @airplanegeorge 12 років тому +1

    and i hear they make a good stew.
    so are you sure they can't carry rabies, i found a baby , and have been taking care of it for a week, have only handled it with gloves and even though it shows its teeth and looks mean, it never tries to bite me, was thinking it was waiting for me to take off the gloves. and those teeth look like needles.
    he, it , eats, sleeps, and tries to look mean. mostly sleeps, how do you get them to be friendly?

  • @lavatube11
    @lavatube11 12 років тому

    Do they harbor any kind of parasite (like the raccoon is a carrier of the brown worm parasite)?

  • @Mango38
    @Mango38 11 років тому

    Flies do have a use. They don't exist just to annoy you. They help things decompose. But I don't see what use mosquitos are. Well, except as food for certain species.

  • @digithead01
    @digithead01 12 років тому +1

    Sorry folks, but I think Opossum's are cute... would love to have one as a pet around the house... sad that they typically only live about 4 years though. Didn't know that.

  • @GrimEclipes
    @GrimEclipes 12 років тому

    bat snakes and possums r so cute how can people hate such wonderful animals grr humans r the top loathsome animals >:p

  • @rydag11
    @rydag11 13 років тому +1

    Opossums kind of creep me out, I think it's the snout and teeth

  • @Wooster77
    @Wooster77 12 років тому

    Who else watched this video after seeing the Geico possum commercial? Anyway, this was very informative. I've always disliked possums. Now, I love them...or at least I dislike them less.

  • @Mango38
    @Mango38 11 років тому

    Hey! Spiders are not evil, at least not all of them. Check out some videos of the Jumping Spider. It is REALLY cute and inquisitive. Spiders may not pay rent but they do help taking out other pests that may be lurking in your house. Granted, they don't know how to clean after themselves...

  • @MOONFACEx2
    @MOONFACEx2 12 років тому

    Bwahaha there was an Opossum in my backyard and I thought it was dead. Turns out it was just messing with my head.

  • @moviemakerwannabe
    @moviemakerwannabe 12 років тому

    My chickens would probably disagree with her statement that Opossums are non-confrontational as they are the main predators that attack our chickens and kill them, or steal eggs. I can understand trying to help their reputation, but, it should be balanced. Opossums will bite you if you surprise them in your garage or a place they feel can't get away.

  • @fraOppland
    @fraOppland 12 років тому

    So possums are cute Pokemons?

  • @battletoads22
    @battletoads22 12 років тому +1

    What about flies and mosquitos? I'm pretty sure they don't have a place in the ecosystem.

  • @Frikkyish
    @Frikkyish 12 років тому +1

    thats the cutess thing I have Ever seen ... oh mah gash ...

  • @welltoucansamatthatgame
    @welltoucansamatthatgame 12 років тому +1

    There's a difference between possums and opossums, and that is an opossum.

  • @MegaTaice
    @MegaTaice 12 років тому

    nice animal

  • @A1Googler
    @A1Googler 12 років тому

    Unfortunately, we used to eat them - folks from the South. I ate possum once. No offense, but kind of like eating pig since they eat nearly everything. Haven't eating them since I was a kid. I viewed them as large rats until seeing this video. Nice animals.

  • @SuperBeautifulNoise
    @SuperBeautifulNoise 11 років тому

    I love animals except crabs, lobsters and scorpions. Crustaceans freak me out. I don't hate but I am scared of sharks, great whites in particular.

  • @charliemotorcycle
    @charliemotorcycle 13 років тому

    Thanks for posting Karen. I always feel terrible when I see one of these laying on the side of the road. You forgot to mention that Humans are the only animals that don't fit in the ecosystem balance!

  • @ctmusicgirl7
    @ctmusicgirl7 12 років тому +3

    why is it eating on such a nice chair D:

  • @TwinklesTheChinchilla
    @TwinklesTheChinchilla 12 років тому

    How did she know about the starlings...? No matter, my Crusade against the little buggers shall continue. But the opossums, they're cute and don't poop the paint off of my car so, they can stay.

  • @kcmagaman
    @kcmagaman 12 років тому

    u would not believe that people eats that where i'm from

  • @kt10585
    @kt10585 13 років тому

    but after watching this video and some others on the youtube - I'll never do that again. And now I feel bad that I drowned that critter and threw it in a garbage bag and drove down to the stores to throw it into a dumpster. But I did seriously freak out when I caught glimpse of that wild animal fur inside that box of sugar. And I thought for about 2 or 3 hours getting my nerve up to do something and thinking what to do since the critter control service I called to handle the matter wanted $180.

  • @TonyNguyen-br2et
    @TonyNguyen-br2et 12 років тому

    opposums are good for your garden cuz they eat all the insects, snails, slugs, etc in your yard. They r the natural pet terminator for your house

  • @anabantoid
    @anabantoid 12 років тому

    The 'O' in Opossum is silent.

  • @chronic124
    @chronic124 12 років тому

    You mean your dingo in Australia because that is where 'Possums" come from. Opossums are the species we have here in the US.

  • @millgiass
    @millgiass 12 років тому

    I assume they eat squirrels too then.

  • @strawberrysparklesz
    @strawberrysparklesz 12 років тому

    is she still alive??

  • @Tuxster3
    @Tuxster3 11 років тому +7

    Hi Clara!
    You're a cutie!

  • @BellDandy0
    @BellDandy0 11 років тому +3

    Please don't try to speak for all of Texas. First, your facts are clearly off. Animal control in Texas does NOT kill them. They can removed and/or relocated in Texas same as other states, but never killed. Unless they are unhealthy and would die in the wild. Second, I raised many opossums in Texas. So yes they're kept as pets and people think they are cute and enjoy them in Texas. You may not but does not mean everyone in the state believes the same. That is foolish to comment for others.

  • @callahanium
    @callahanium 12 років тому

    I have caught them red-handed eating soft fruits directly off of my trees. For that I capture them and animal control relocates them to the nature preserve. Sometimes local citrus farmers take them because they won't try to eat the oranges (peel is too tough) and instead go after the harmful bugs.

  • @NoahSpurrier
    @NoahSpurrier 12 років тому

    No it isn't. You are thinking of Possums, which are different animals from Australia and the Oceania area. Possums were named after Opossums which they resemble.

  • @TheChannyj28
    @TheChannyj28 11 років тому

    You obviously didn't watch the video... *derp*

  • @veeseee128
    @veeseee128 12 років тому

    That possums leaving a funky stain on your chair, with all the cheese, phew!

  • @moiseman
    @moiseman 12 років тому

    it seems she's a kitchen of some sort, all is in order.

  • @Jajonbifulco1
    @Jajonbifulco1 12 років тому +1

    So would you if you were cornered. Again, their purpose is to find food for herself and her babies if she has them and chickens and eggs are food. Set out a cage with some eggs and try to catch the opossum and release it away from your property. A better solution than killing them. That is cruel.

  • @TheDreadhead81
    @TheDreadhead81 12 років тому

    fyi, the term "possum" is just another term for "opossum."

  • @TheChannyj28
    @TheChannyj28 11 років тому

    You forgot RATS.

  • @somuchluv89
    @somuchluv89 13 років тому

    What happened to Clara to make her partially blind? Poor thing is horribly obese..

  • @sicilianmama1000
    @sicilianmama1000 12 років тому

    im sorry but i will never see the purpose for roache ot tick...ewww

  • @Angelnot95
    @Angelnot95 12 років тому

    My dog kills possums

  • @tensecond67
    @tensecond67 12 років тому

    if i encounter a possum i show it a way out with my 410