Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Virginia Opossum

This adult male Virginia Opossum was brought to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center by Hearts of the Wild Wildlife Rehab after being found injured near a roadway, likely the victim of a vehicle strike.

Upon examination, our team discovered multiple skull fractures and a deep laceration stretching from below his genitals, across the groin (also called the inguinal area), and up along the left side of his abdomen.

Our veterinary student extern performed a meticulous surgical repair to close the extensive wound.

To protect the surgical site, we applied a creative “shark fin” bandage, a method we have found particularly effective for opossums.

Traditional E-collars (aka “the cone of shame”) rarely work for the species we treat, as their flexible bodies and dexterous hands allow them to easily wiggle free.

The shark fin bandage offers extra structure and helps keep curious paws away from healing incisions.

So far, this resilient patient is recovering well on a regimen of pain medication, antibiotics, and a carefully blended diet that allows his jaw fractures to mend over time.

With continued progress, we are optimistic he will be ready to return to the wild in a couple of months.

Male Virginia Opossums, like this one, are solitary travelers and can roam several miles each night in search of food and mates.

While they are often misunderstood, opossums play an essential ecological role by consuming thousands of ticks, carrion (dead animals), and even venomous snakes, helping to keep our environment clean and balanced!

It takes a tough animal to survive the wild and an even tougher one to recover from a car strike.

Thankfully, this determined marsupial is well on his way back to the night trails he knows best.

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