Are There Opossums in Pennsylvania?
Yes, opossums are increasingly common in Pennsylvania, especially in southern and eastern regions. They thrive in deciduous forests, wetlands, and suburban areas throughout most of the state. These nocturnal marsupials have expanded northward significantly over recent decades and are now year-round residents.
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
- 1,005
- GBIF records
Yes, opossums are in Pennsylvania. Next you'll want:
Yes, opossums are increasingly common in Pennsylvania, especially in southern and eastern regions. They thrive in deciduous forests, wetlands, and suburban areas throughout most of the state. These nocturnal marsupials have expanded northward significantly over recent decades and are now year-round residents.
Where Opossums Live in Pennsylvania
Opossums now inhabit most of Pennsylvania, with populations concentrated in southern and eastern portions. In the Appalachian regions of southwestern and central Pennsylvania, they shelter in hollow trees and rocky outcrops in mixed deciduous forests. The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania support growing populations in forest habitats. Along major river valleys including the Susquehanna River, Delaware River, and Allegheny River systems, they nest in riparian forests and floodplain areas. In southeastern Pennsylvania near Philadelphia and along the coastal plain influence, populations are dense in suburban yards and parks. The Piedmont region supports abundant opossums in oak and hickory forests. Western Pennsylvania along Lake Erie shore and the western plateaus contain increasing populations. Urban areas throughout Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown all support resident opossums.Explore Pennsylvania wildlife diversityto learn about coexisting species.
Seasonal Patterns and Activity
Opossums remain active year-round in Pennsylvania, though winter presents challenges in northern areas. Activity peaks from April through October when temperatures moderate and food is abundant. Cold winters force them to shelter more frequently in dens, building cavities, and underground burrows. Unlike true hibernators, opossums do not enter long sleep states but reduce activity during extreme cold. Females breed from February through September, producing two litters annually in favorable conditions. Young from first litters appear in late spring, while second litter young disperse in fall. Dispersing juveniles increase sightings in late summer and fall as they search for new territory. Warming winters due to climate change have allowed populations to expand northward and persist in previously marginal habitats.Learn about seasonal wildlife patterns.
Identifying Pennsylvania Opossums
Opossums are distinctive marsupials with no close relatives in Pennsylvania's native wildlife. Adults weigh 8 to 14 pounds with gray and white fur and pointed snouts. The face is predominantly white with black ears and beady black eyes. Males are slightly larger than females, occasionally reaching 14 pounds. The hairless, rat-like tail is pinkish and prehensile, used for climbing and balance. Footprints show five toes on each foot, unusual for most Pennsylvania mammals. Young opossums born in spring are smaller and darker, becoming lighter with age. Opossums produce distinctive clicking sounds while foraging and loud hissing when threatened. They have a distinctive shuffling gait on the ground. The pointed face, white coloring, and large size distinguish them easily from raccoons. For more on opossum in Pennsylvania, see ourPennsylvania opossum guide.
Best Places to Find Opossums in Pennsylvania
Look for opossums at night in wooded areas, forest edges, and suburban neighborhoods. Along the Susquehanna River and Delaware River, they hunt through sycamore floodplains and riverside woods. In the Pocono Mountains, search creek valleys and hemlock-northern hardwood forest edges. The Appalachian forests of southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly along stream bottoms and hollow tree habitats, support healthy populations. Urban and suburban yards throughout southeastern Pennsylvania with compost bins and pet food attract nightly visitors. Central Pennsylvania farmland woodlots and creek corridors harbor populations. Western Pennsylvania woodlands, particularly oak-hickory forests in the Allegheny region, provide excellent habitat. Lake Erie shoreline areas near the water's edge attract opossums to riparian vegetation. Culverts and drainage ditches under rural roads frequently shelter them during daytime. Night driving with caution along rural roads may yield eyeshine sightings. You can also browsePennsylvania wildlife.
Opossum Behavior and Diet
Opossums are solitary, nocturnal foragers eating carrion, insects, earthworms, snakes, small rodents, and vegetation. They provide significant pest control by consuming thousands of ticks annually, helping reduce Lyme disease exposure in Pennsylvania areas. A single opossum eats far more ticks than other similarly sized mammals. They are docile and rarely aggressive compared to raccoons and other wild animals. When severely threatened, they enter a catatonic state called thanatosis, lying motionless with open mouths for seconds to hours. This unusual defense strategy works well because most predators lose interest in apparently lifeless prey. Opossums produce musty odors from anal scent glands when stressed, but these are mild and temporary. They are slower, quieter, and less destructive than most wild Pennsylvania mammals. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety
Opossums are harmless to humans and rarely cause problems in Pennsylvania. They cannot carry rabies because their low body temperature makes them unsuitable virus hosts. While they may hiss and bare teeth when startled, they rarely bite and are not aggressive toward people. If an opossum enters a building, simply open doors and windows to allow escape; they will leave naturally. Secure garbage cans, remove pet food at night, and seal building openings below ground level to prevent entry. Opossums benefit areas by consuming ticks, carrion, and pest insects. Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem. Pennsylvania Game Commission provides resources for coexistence and wildlife concerns. Local animal control offices can arrange humane removal if needed. Opossums are generally easier neighbors than raccoons or other wild mammals. OurPennsylvania wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Species Confused with Opossums
The most common confusion is between opossums and raccoons. Raccoons are stockier, have distinctive black face masks, rounded ears, and bushy tails, while opossums have pointed snouts and white faces. Both are excellent climbers, but raccoons are more aggressive and destructive. Young opossums are sometimes mistaken for large Norway rats, but opossums are much larger with different facial proportions. Eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels are occasionally confused with opossums due to gray coloring, but squirrels are far smaller with bushy tails and pointed ears. Beavers inhabit similar river habitats but are much larger and more aquatic. Woodchucks are heavier and lack the pointed snout. Nighttime animals that are smaller, more aggressive, or quicker-moving are likely rats, mice, or shrews rather than opossums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do opossums survive Pennsylvania winters? Yes, they survive but reduce activity; populations concentrate in southern areas where winters are milder. Do opossums play dead? Yes, when frightened, they enter thanatosis, a catatonic state lasting seconds to hours. Can opossums carry rabies? No, their low body temperature makes them unsuitable rabies virus hosts. Are opossums native to Pennsylvania? Not historically, but they have expanded northward naturally over the past century. Can opossums climb trees? Yes, their prehensile tail and sharp claws make them excellent climbers. Is it safe to touch an opossum? Opossums are gentle and rarely bite, but wild animals should not be handled without training. What diseases do opossums carry? They are resistant to many diseases and rarely carry parasites harmful to humans. Should I trap an opossum? Contact Pennsylvania Game Commission first; trapping without permits is illegal and harmful to the animal.
Plan your opossum sighting in Pennsylvania
1,005 verified opossum records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see opossum
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