Playing Possum? The Truth About Opossums on Your Bowling Green Property | Expert Removal Guide

If you're a homeowner in Bowling Green, Kentucky, you've probably encountered an opossum at least once. These nocturnal creatures, often spotted around the WKU Campus Area and throughout Rockfield, can be both fascinating and concerning. But what's the real story behind these misunderstood marsupials?

Understanding Opossums in Bowling Green

As Kentucky's only native marsupial, opossums are unique creatures that have adapted well to urban environments. While they're less destructive than raccoons or rodents in your attic, they can still cause problems when they decide to make your property their home.

Common Signs of Opossum Activity

• Overturned garbage cans
• Disturbed pet food containers
• Droppings in your yard
• Unusual noises in crawl spaces
• Garden damage

The Truth About 'Playing Possum'

The famous 'playing possum' behavior isn't an act - it's an involuntary response to extreme fear. When threatened, opossums enter a catatonic state that can last for hours, similar to how other wildlife might react to danger, as discussed in our article about birds seeking shelter in unusual places.

Benefits and Concerns

The Good

• Eat thousands of ticks annually
• Control rodent populations
• Clean up fallen fruit and food waste
• Rarely carry rabies

The Bad

• Can damage crawl spaces
• Might frighten pets
• Can make messes in garbage areas
• May take up residence under decks or sheds

Professional Opossum Control in Bowling Green

While opossums might seem less threatening than destructive squirrels, professional removal is still recommended. Our wildlife experts understand local regulations and can safely relocate opossums without harm.

Our Removal Process

1. Property inspection
2. Identification of entry points
3. Humane trapping and removal
4. Prevention measures
5. Clean-up and sanitization

Preventing Future Opossum Problems

Prevention is key in wildlife control. Here are essential steps to keep opossums away:

• Secure garbage bins
• Remove pet food at night
• Seal crawl spaces and deck areas
• Trim tree branches near structures
• Keep yards clean of fallen fruit

Opossums in Bowling Green, particularly around Smiths Grove and surrounding areas, are a common concern for homeowners. While they play a beneficial role in our ecosystem, they shouldn't be making your home their habitat.

Need professional help with an opossum problem? Contact Bowling Green KY Wildlife Control Pros at (866) 332-0501 for immediate assistance. Our local experts understand Kentucky wildlife and can provide effective, humane solutions for your property.