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To prevent future possums from coming onto your property, be sure to keep your yard and outdoor area free of food and compost debris. The cleaner your yard, the less you have to worry about possums and other pests taking up rent in/around your home. Be careful if you choose to apply so-called possum repellents; some may harm the possum, other animals, or your family.

Opossums are generally not dangerous. Unless they feel threatened, they typically will not bite or come near you or your pets. Opossums also don’t often carry diseases, but they can carry a parasite called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. This infection is dangerous to horses and affects their central nervous systems.

Opossums are attracted to garbage, compost, and food. Generally, they are attracted to food left outdoors. In addition, they are attracted to gardens and fruits that fall from trees. While you can’t keep possums from wanting to eat from your garden or hang out in your trees, you can take preventative steps to keep them away, like keeping a clean and tidy yard and garbage can area.

Most North Americans refer to both as possums. However, possums are native to Australia, China, and New Zealand—so far from your backyard in the States—yet North Americans refer to opossums as possums. Feature-wise, possums have more squirrel-like tails, whereas opossums have bare tails. Since there is only one kind of opossum in North America, you’ll encounter the Virginia opossum, which everyone simply calls a possum.