What Does an Opossum Sound Like?

When threatened, opossums produce a distinctive combination of sounds designed to startle predators. The most recognizable sound is a loud hiss similar to a cat or snake, accompanied by rapid clicking noises and lip-smacking. Some observers describe this sound as a muffled scream or growl that builds in intensity. The hissing comes from air pushed through the opossum's nostrils and mouth. The clicking sound is produced by grinding teeth or slapping the jaw repeatedly. This aggressive sound display can last several seconds and may be repeated multiple times as the predator approaches. The intensity increases if the threat persists. Opossums often accompany these vocalizations with open-mouth displays showing their teeth. This combination of visual and auditory threat signals effectively intimidates many potential predators. The hissing sound carries over considerable distance and alerts nearby opossums to danger in the area.

The loud hissing and clicking display is a clear threat signal meaning an opossum is scared and will defend itself. This vocalization is often accompanied by the famous playing dead behavior where the opossum becomes immobile and unresponsive. The message is unmistakable. Softer chittering calls in Wisconsin are social: back away or face consequences. Softer chittering calls are social vocalizations used mainly during breeding season when males and females communicate. These calls sound like rapid clicking or chirping and serve to locate potential mates in darkness. Grunting sounds are low-volume communications used when an opossum is moving through dense vegetation or nursing young. A mother opossum makes soft grunting calls to communicate with her babies, who respond by following her sounds. Young opossums produce higher-pitched whimpering sounds when separated from their mother or distressed. These vocalizations serve as location signals in darkness. Each sound type transmits specific behavioral information to other opossums or signals danger to potential predators.

Most opossum vocalizations occur at night during their active hours when they forage, travel, and mate. Hissing and threatening sounds are most likely in late evening or nighttime hours when opossums encounter predators or perceive threats. Disturbed opossums in daytime may also vocalize if accidentally encountered in dens or yards. During breeding season from December through June, chittering and clicking sounds increase as males search for mates. These breeding calls peak in late winter when reproduction activity is intense. After babies are born in spring, mother opossums produce frequent grunting calls to communicate with mobile young. You are most likely to hear opossum sounds during warm months when they are more active and numerous. Spring and early summer bring the most opossum vocalizations due to breeding and young-rearing activities. Backyard opossums may produce sounds while foraging in garbage cans or moving through yards at night. The sounds are relatively quiet compared to raccoons and often go unnoticed by humans.

The opossum hiss can resemble a snake hiss or cat hiss, but the accompanying clicking and jaw-smacking sounds are distinctive and unique to opossums. A snake hiss is sustained and does not include clicking or grinding noises. A cat hiss may include similar spitting sounds but lacks the extended grinding quality. The opossum's grinding and clicking is produced by teeth, not the throat or mouth cavity. Raccoon vocalizations are generally louder and more varied, including growling, snarling, and chittering that differs from opossum calls. Raccoons produce higher-pitched squealing sounds in many contexts where opossums remain quiet. The clicking sounds opossums make during breeding during breeding are quieter and less harsh than the aggressive threat display. Foxes produce distinct barks and howls never seen in opossums. Coyotes and larger canines produce loud vocalizations completely unlike the relatively soft sounds opossums make. Learning the unique combination of hissing, clicking, and grinding helps distinguish opossums from other nocturnal animals.

Young opossums have noticeably higher-pitched and more frequent vocalizations than adults. Baby opossums still in the pouch rarely make sounds, but young opossums mobile on their mother's back produce constant whimpering calls. These juvenile calls serve as location signals allowing the mother to monitor her young in darkness. The pitch of young opossum vocalizations is distinctly higher than adult sounds. Older juvenile opossums attempting independence produce more variable and less predictable sounds. Adult male opossums typically produce louder and more aggressive threat displays than females. The grinding and clicking of a large male can sound more intense and threatening. Adult females produce softer grunting sounds consistent with maternal communication. During breeding season, males produce louder chittering calls than females. Female breeding vocalizations are shorter and more frequent but lower in volume. Sexual dimorphism in sound production reflects the different communication needs of males and females in this species.

If you hear hissing and clicking near your home at night, an opossum is likely nearby but does not pose a threat to humans. Remain calm and give the animal space to move away. Opossums prefer to avoid confrontation and will typically leave the area if given an exit route. Do not attempt to corner, trap, or provoke the opossum as it may become more aggressive. If the sounds come from places you frequent in Washington and other states, the opossum is probably your attic, porch, or shed, the opossum is probably denning there temporarily. Seal entry points once the opossum leaves, usually within a few days or weeks. Install one-way doors to allow animals to exit but prevent re-entry. Avoid blocking exits completely as a panicked opossum may damage structures trying to escape. Keep garbage cans secured and remove pet food to discourage visits. Opossums generally do not vocalize when untroubled, so persistent sounds indicate an animal in distress or cornered. Provide an exit route and the sounds should cease as the opossum leaves.

Opossums are naturally drawn to yards with food sources like fallen fruit, pet food, and garbage. If you want to observe them, place small portions of produce or vegetables in a designated area and watch at night with minimal light. Do not intentionally stress opossums to make them produce threat vocalizations. Recording vocalizations should occur from a distance with minimal disturbance to the animal. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements that may startle the opossum. If an opossum produces alarm calls in your presence, retreat immediately to allow it to calm down. Responsible wildlife observation respects the animal's space and stress levels. Use a camera or recording device rather than attempting close approach. Sharing opossum sounds helps educate others about these misunderstood animals. Never trap or handle opossums without professional guidance. Appreciating opossums as quiet neighbors benefits both wildlife and human coexistence.