Wildlife Wednesday – Oh Opossums!

There isn’t a lot to update you on in terms of the wildlife at Wild Angels.  Almost all of the spring and summer babies have either been successfully released or are in outdoor enclosures preparing for their releases.  Here is an updated picture of the two opossums that Older took in at the beginning of her baby wildlife season.  They are doing well, and will be releasable age very soon.

 

 

There is one update that is really nice to be able to share.  Remember the mom opossum who was found in a puddle of blood in the middle of a road?  Older Daughter received this opossum and upon examination discovered that her injuries were to her face, especially her mouth.  Her tongue was cut in several places, and Older eventually discovered that part of the tongue is completely gone.  There was minor trauma to one eye and the sinus cavity on that side of her head.  Older knew that these injuries could heal, but there was one really troubling sign.  The opossum didn’t seem to be able to close her mouth all the way.  This could be inflammation or it could be a broken jaw.

For days, Older had to force-feed this gal.  An adult opossum is not fond of being force-fed.  But the momma needed food to begin her recovery, AND she had babies in her pouch.  The babies were pale and puny.  They definitely needed better nutrition to survive.  When I first wrote about this mom opossum, I was overjoyed to report that it wasn’t long until Older didn’t have to “force” feed.  Momma O started looking forward to feedings and would even reach up to help with the feedings when the syringe contained yogurt. 

 

 

The next stage made Older Daughter very happy.  She knew this opossum had to be able to eat on her own.  The jaw was getting closer to closing all the way.  And then one day, Older held a spoon of food out to Momma O and she licked it off the spoon.  Even with only a partial tongue, Momma O was succeeding in drawing food into her mouth on her own.  The spoon feeding went on for several days and just a couple of days ago Momma O started eating from a dish.  Older still has to make sure the consistency is right, but Momma O is definitely making progress.

 

 

The babies (Older now thinks seven) are looking great!  It’s really a story of success.

 

 

Look at those baby opossum faces!

 

 

And here is a “smile” update.  By now you all know Ms Wobbly Raccoon.  Older feeds her at the edge of her property every day.  About a week ago, as Older got ready to step outside to feed, she opened the main door and had a little surprise waiting on the other side of the storm door.

 

 

Lol I guess Ms Wobbly was a little impatient that day.  SO glad she has a stomping ground so close to Older Daughter’s home.

 

Comments

[Ginny & the Fur Family]

I look forward to the wild Angels reports. Older has such patience. Most people do not think a possum has a pouch full of babies. When they see a possum on the side of the road they just pass on by and don't realize it could be hurt or live babies still in the pouch even if the poor mama is dead. Pray for all the wild life out there who need our help. Look closer at the shinning eyes in the dark night. Thanks older daughter for all you do to help the poor little ones.

[John Bellen]

That poor opossum. What agony she must've felt with such a severely damaged tongue. And the force-feeding, though necessary for her survival, must have been painful for her, too. But what a reward! Continued good luck and improvement to her and her children.

And it's nice to see Ms Wobbly trusts her human friend so much.

[The Poupounette Gang]

What a lovely, happy post!