What sounds do opossums make: Exploring Opossum Sounds

Opossums make a variety of sounds to communicate with each other and express their feelings. Opossum sounds can vary in intensity and tone depending on the individual and the specific situation. While they are not known for being particularly vocal animals, they do have a repertoire of sounds to convey their emotions and needs. Generally, they make clicking sounds to attract their partners for mating and growling or hissing sounds if they feel threatened by anything.

The sounds of the opossums are rarely audible except under special circumstances. Baby opossums also make sneezing sounds to get the attention of their parents. Opossums also make some other sounds like snarling, and chattering if they are super excited. If you are more interested in the opossum sounds then you must read this article thoroughly as we are going to explain each and every aspect of the opossum sound in detail.

What sounds do opossums make?

Opossums are relatively quiet animals, and they don’t produce a wide range of vocalizations compared to some other animals. However, they do make several sounds, including:

Opossum Hissing

Opossums often hiss when they feel threatened or frightened. This sound is meant to intimidate potential predators and deter them.

Opossum Growl

When opossums are agitated or feel cornered, they may emit a low growl as a warning sign.

Opossum Clicking sound

Opossums can produce clicking or chattering noises, especially when they are searching for food. Some experts believe that this sound may help them locate insects and other prey by echolocation. These clicking sounds are often rapid and repetitive, resembling a series of sharp clicks or snaps.

Chattering

Chattering of teeth is a sign of distress or agitation in opossums. It can also indicate aggression or annoyance.

Screeching

When opossums are in extreme distress, such as when they are attacked by a predator, they may emit loud screeching or shrieking sounds.

Opossum Screaming

Opossums can emit loud and distressing screaming or screeching sounds when they are in extreme distress, danger, or experiencing severe pain. This screaming is an alarming and high-pitched noise, and it can be quite unsettling to hear. Opossums may scream when they are being attacked by a predator, injured, or trapped. It’s their way of signaling extreme distress and trying to deter or seek help from potential threats.

Also read: Do opossums make good pets?

If you hear an opossum screaming, it may be best to approach the situation cautiously. The opossum may need assistance or be in a dangerous situation. In such cases, you might consider contacting local wildlife authorities or a wildlife rescue organization for guidance on how to handle the situation safely and ensure the well-being of the animal.

Chirping

Baby opossums may make chirping sounds to communicate with their mother. These sounds are used to get her attention when they are hungry or need care.

While opossums can make these sounds, they are generally not very vocal animals compared to some other wildlife species. They rely more on body language and scent marking to communicate with each other.

What are the Opossum Sounds at Night?

Opossums are generally more active at night, and they may produce various sounds during their nighttime activities. Some of the sounds you might hear from opossums at nighttime are Rustling which will often erupts while rummaging through trash cans, leaves, and underbrush for food. The sound of rustling or foraging can be common at night.

As opossums move about, their footsteps can produce audible noises, particularly if they’re on dry leaves or twigs. If opossums feel threatened or encounter other animals, they might hiss or growl as a defensive or warning response. These sounds can occur during nighttime encounters with predators or other opossums. Baby opossums may make chirping sounds at night when they’re communicating with their mother or siblings.

Opossums can sometimes engage in scuffles with other animals or even each other over territory or food. These scuffling sounds may be heard at night. If you’re hearing unusual or persistent sounds at night that are causing concern, it’s a good idea to investigate to ensure that they are indeed coming from opossums and not another source.

Do Opossums Make Noise During Breeding?

Yes, opossums can make noise during the breeding season. When opossums are mating, they may produce a variety of vocalizations. These are also called opossum mating calls.  These vocalizations and behaviors are more commonly observed during the breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter and early spring. Male opossums are particularly active in seeking out females during this time, and their noises may be more noticeable as a result.

These noises are part of their reproductive behaviors and can include:

Chattering: Opossums may engage in chattering sounds, often characterized by a series of rapid, high-pitched noises. These vocalizations are believed to be part of their courtship rituals.

Growling and Hissing: During mating encounters, male opossums may growl or hiss as part of their display of dominance or to establish their presence to potential mates.

Scuffling: Mating opossums may engage in scuffling or brief fights as they compete for the attention of a female.

These sounds are typically temporary and should subside as the breeding season comes to an end.

Do opossums purr?

Opossums do not purr like some other animals, such as cats. Purring is a specific sound produced by the rapid contraction and relaxation of the laryngeal muscles, typically associated with contentment and relaxation in animals like cats.

Do Male and Female Opossums Make Different Sounds?

Male and female opossums may produce some similar sounds, especially those related to basic communication and distress. However, the primary difference in vocalizations between male and female opossums often relates to the breeding season and mating behaviors. During this time, males are more likely to engage in specific vocalization to attract females and establish dominance.

These gender-specific vocalizations are more commonly observed during the breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter and early spring. Outside of the breeding season, male and female opossums may share similar vocalizations for general communication and expressing distress or threat warnings.

What Sounds Would you Hear if An Opossum enter Into your Home?

If an opossum gets into your home, you might hear a variety of sounds, which can be similar to the noises made by other nocturnal animals like raccoons or rodents. Here are some sounds you might hear if an opossum is inside your home Opossums may scratch walls, ceilings, or floors as they move around in search of food or shelter. This scratching can be relatively loud and may be especially noticeable in quiet environments.

Opossums may also create rustling or thumping noises as they move through your attic or crawl spaces. This can happen as they explore their surroundings or create nests. Opossums would also chew on wood, wires, or other materials they encounter, causing noticeable sounds. This can potentially lead to damage to your property.

Also Read: Do opossums climb trees?

Opossums may move quickly and scuffle or run across floors or inside wall voids, creating noise as they go. If there are baby opossums with adults, you might hear their high-pitched squeaking or chirping sounds as they communicate with their mother or siblings.

American Opossum vs. Australian Possum Sounds

American opossums and Australian possums are two distinct species with different behaviors and vocalizations. They also produce different sounds. Here’s a comparison of the sounds made by American opossums and Australian possums.

American opossum sounds

American opossums are known for hissing when they feel threatened or frightened. This hissing sound is used as a warning to potential predators. They may growl when agitated or to establish dominance during mating encounters. American opossums can make clicking or chattering noises, especially when searching for food.

These sounds are believed to help them locate prey through echolocation. When distressed or facing danger, they may emit loud screeching or shrieking sounds.

Australian possum sounds

Australian possums produce a variety of vocal calls, depending on the species. For example, the Common Brushtail Possum can make coughing, barking, hissing, and guttural sounds. Some Australian possums, like the Sugar Glider, may produce clicking and grunting noises, especially during social interactions or courtship. Australian possums can emit loud screeching sounds when in distress or threatened. This sound is often a sign of alarm.

Conclusion

Opossums may not be the most vocal animals in the animal kingdom, but their sounds play a crucial role in their survival and interactions. By understanding and appreciating these sounds, we can gain insight into the lives of these fascinating marsupials.  Opossums exhibit a wide range of sounds, from hissing and growling to clicking and screeching. Each of these vocalizations serves a specific purpose, whether it’s for defense, communication, or finding food. Opossums have evolved to use their vocalizations as a means of defense, navigation, and social interaction. These adaptations have allowed them to thrive in diverse environments across the Americas.