Many people falsely assume opossums carry the rabies virus. When confronted by a human, who is naturally viewed as a potential predator by an opossum, most possums will "grin" to show its formidable set of teeth, drool, growl and probably play possum all in the hopes that you will think it sick or dead and leave it alone. While it is true that any mammal can get rabies, the possibility of healthy opossum carrying rabies is extremely rare. Scientists believe the opossum's low body temperature (94-97 degrees) makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in the opossum's body. According to the NC Division of Public Health 2008 Rabies Report, between 2004-2008, there were only 2 cases of rabies involving opossums. It is suggested that both these possums were sick and running fevers when they contracted rabies.

Due to the presence of children or pets, who could potentially be harmed, many people do not want to set snap traps. Poisons are too toxic to use safely inside your house. Unfortunately, the glue trap is often viewed as an acceptable alternative for eliminating unwanted pests from a home.

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There is now less wild, open spaces for animals to live than was once available. As human populations continue to grow and our suburbs expand, wildlife habits are now found in our own backyards. Cities and suburbs are home to many kinds of wildlife, which don't simply adapt, but thrive. Skunks under decks, squirrels in attics and raccoons in chimneys are just a few of the too-close-for-comfort encounters people have with wildlife.

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