Do opossums carry rabies?

According to the Bi-State Wildlife Hotline, opossums do not typically carry rabies. It is quite rare for opossums to contract rabies because their body temperatures are too low for the infection to thrive. Possums drool when they are afraid, which is often mistaken for rabies symptoms.

While it is considered extremely rare for opossums to carry rabies, it is possible for them to carry zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans. It is important for anyone who crosses an opossum's path to take precautions, such as refraining from petting the animal or attempting to handle it in any way.