Are There Opossums in Maryland?
Yes, opossums are common throughout Maryland, found in virtually every county from the Eastern Shore to the western mountains. They have adapted well to both rural and suburban environments. Most Marylanders encounter these marsupials, especially at night when they become active. Understanding their presence and behavior helps neighbors coexist peacefully.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Virginia Opossum · Public domain CC0
Virginia Opossum · Public domain CC0
Eastern Virginia Opossum · Millie Basden CC BY
- 1,224
- GBIF records
Yes, opossums are in Maryland. Next you'll want:
Yes, opossums are common throughout Maryland, found in virtually every county from the Eastern Shore to the western mountains. They have adapted well to both rural and suburban environments. Most Marylanders encounter these marsupials, especially at night when they become active. Understanding their presence and behavior helps neighbors coexist peacefully.
Where in Maryland the Opossum is Found
Opossums are found throughout Maryland in diverse habitats from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian foothills. In the Eastern Shore region, they thrive in the marshes of Dorchester County and near the waters of Talbot County. The Patuxent River basin in central Maryland supports strong populations in both forested and open areas. Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas host opossums in suburban yards and neighborhoods. Western Maryland's forested regions around Garrett County and Allegany County provide excellent habitat for these marsupials. Thewildlife guide for Marylandoffers more information on native species throughout the state. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County represents ideal opossum habitat with mixed forest and wetland ecosystems. From coastal tidal zones to the higher Appalachian elevations, opossums demonstrate remarkable adaptability to Maryland's varied landscapes and climates.
Season and Timing in Maryland
Opossums are active year-round in Maryland, though visibility peaks from March through October when temperatures warm. Spring brings dispersal of young opossums, making sightings more frequent as they establish individual territories. Summer nights offer prime viewing opportunities, as mild temperatures encourage active foraging throughout the evening and night hours. Fall activity increases noticeably as opossums accumulate fat reserves for the colder months ahead. Winter presents a different pattern; opossums do not hibernate but remain active during warmer nights and mild days, emerging to feed opportunistically. Their body physiology allows survival of Maryland's winter conditions without extended dormancy. Nighttime represents peak activity for these nocturnal mammals, with most feeding occurring between dusk and dawn. Seasonal variation in visibility offers different opportunities for observation throughout the year on Maryland'swildlife page.
How to Identify an Opossum
Opossums are roughly cat-sized, weighing between 4 and 14 pounds with females smaller than males. Their most striking feature is a white face with dark ears and eyes that reflect light dramatically at night. The body appears grayish or white, with a long, hairless, pinkish tail resembling a rat's tail. This distinctive appearance makes opossums instantly recognizable once you observe them clearly. The pointed snout and small, rounded ears are characteristic marsupial features unlike most North American mammals. Their hind feet possess five toes including an opposable thumb that aids climbing ability. Opossums vary individually in coloration, with some appearing nearly white while others display darker gray or brown tones. Males typically appear heavier and broader-shouldered than females, though field observation may not always reveal this difference clearly to casual observers. For more on opossum in Maryland, see ourMaryland opossum guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Maryland
Opossums concentrate in areas providing food, water, and shelter, particularly near human habitation where garbage and pet food are available. Urban gardens and park edges in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., support dense populations. Riparian corridors along the Patuxent River and its tributaries offer ideal foraging habitat with abundant invertebrates and fallen fruit. Forested margins and hedgerows connecting woodlots serve as travel corridors and hunting grounds. Storm drains, culverts, attics, and abandoned structures attract opossums seeking daylight shelter. The shrubby, mixed habitats bordering the Chesapeake Bay shoreline support consistent populations year-round. Brush piles, fallen logs, and dense vegetation in both rural and suburban settings provide daytime refuge. After visitingthe Maryland wildlife hub, you may observe that nocturnal activity means opossums can appear nearly anywhere after dark, from backyards to wooded patches to urban alleys.
Typical Behavior of Opossums
Opossums are solitary, nocturnal foragers with omnivorous diets that make them successful in Maryland's varied environments. They consume insects, earthworms, snails, small rodents, carrion, berries, and plant matter, functioning as effective pest controllers. Garden raids target fallen fruit, particularly persimmons and apples in autumn months. Opossums are immune to rabies due to their distinctly lower body temperature and unique immune response, making them safe neighbors. When threatened, they may hiss, growl, bare teeth, or assume an aggressive posture. Their famous playing dead response is an involuntary reaction lasting from minutes to several hours, making them appear unpalatable to predators. Opossums are capable climbers using their semi-prehensile tails for balance in trees and brush. Female opossums produce one to three litters yearly, with 6 to 20 offspring typical per reproductive cycle, contributing to their stable populations. You can also browseMaryland wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Opossums are not dangerous to humans and present minimal disease risk compared to other urban wildlife. Maryland law protects opossums; legal removal requires permits from licensed wildlife professionals. Remove outside food sources including unsecured garbage, fallen fruit, and pet food left outdoors overnight. Secure compost bins and eliminate yard debris and brush piles to reduce shelter availability. Opossums help control tick populations carrying Lyme disease, making them valuable neighbors for public health. Most opossums fear humans and retreat quickly when found, avoiding unnecessary conflict. Ensure pets are supervised outdoors at night and maintain current vaccinations against rabies and other diseases as general practice. If an opossum has entered an attic or shed, contact a licensed wildlife professional for humane exclusion following Maryland regulations. Learn more about sharing your property with wildlife on thenational wildlife hub.
Species People Confuse with Opossums
The Virginia opossum is sometimes confused with Norway rats due to similar size and hairless tail, but rats are much smaller with proportionally larger ears and no white facial markings. Young opossums may resemble small cats or ferrets due to body shape, though their distinctive white face distinguishes them. Porcupines share nocturnal and tree-climbing habits but are much larger and covered entirely in defensive quills. Woodchucks often appear in similar habitats but are burrowers, stockier, and active during daylight hours. Raccoons are larger with distinctive black face masks and more aggressive behavior when confronted. Skunks are smaller, have obvious white stripes, and produce their notable spray defense. Muskrats, found near water, are larger with flat tails adapted for swimming rather than climbing. Virginia opossums remain unique among Maryland mammals, with no truly similar species once observed carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are opossums dangerous to humans? A: No, opossums are docile animals that avoid confrontation and rarely bite unless severely cornered or threatened. Q: Do opossums carry rabies in Maryland? A: Opossums are among the most resistant animals to rabies infection due to their low body temperature and are considered safe neighbors. Q: What should I do if I encounter an opossum on my property? A: Leave it alone and allow it to depart naturally, then remove attractants like garbage and pet food to prevent return visits. Q: Why do opossums play dead and how long does it last? A: This involuntary survival response lasts anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, making the opossum appear unpalatable to potential predators.
Plan your opossum sighting in Maryland
1,224 verified opossum records have been logged in Maryland, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
More places to see opossum
More wildlife in Maryland