Opossums in Winter: Why You See Them in Daylight

Opossums do not hibernate, so in cold weather they often shift to foraging in the warmer afternoon hours, which is why you may see one in daylight in winter. A daytime opossum is usually just hungry, so leave it alone and remove the food that drew it in.

Seeing an opossum out during the day in winter can feel unusual because homeowners often expect these animals to appear after dark. In most cases, the timing reflects a practical adjustment to cold conditions, not a need for immediate intervention.

Do opossums hibernate?

No, opossums do not hibernate. They may remain in a den through a very cold night and become less active when conditions are harsh, but they still need to come out and look for food.

When the temperature rises during the afternoon, that warmer part of the day may offer a better opportunity to forage. This can put an opossum in plain view even though it usually passes through the same area at night.

Why is winter hard on opossums?

Opossums have thin fur, bare ears and a bare tail, along with little fat reserve. Cold weather can therefore make finding food and a protected place to rest especially important.

An opossum may investigate sheltered spaces under a deck, shed or house as a possible den. The animal is looking for warmth and cover, not trying to confront the people who live there. The best response is to reduce whatever makes the property useful before a temporary visit becomes a longer stay.

Should you worry about a daytime opossum?

Usually, no. An opossum walking steadily, investigating the ground and continuing on its way can generally be left alone. Give it space, bring possible food indoors and allow it to pass through without being cornered.

Pay closer attention if the animal appears injured, cannot walk or is circling. In those situations, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance. Do not attempt to handle the opossum yourself.

How do you keep opossums from settling in?

Start with food and shelter. A few calm housekeeping steps can make your yard less attractive without disturbing an animal that is simply passing through.

• Bring pet food inside at night: Put away bowls and leftovers instead of leaving an easy meal outdoors.
• Secure trash and compost: Keep containers closed so their contents are not readily available.
• Pick up fallen fruit and bird seed: Clear food from the ground, especially near decks, sheds and foundations.
• Close gaps under decks, sheds and the house: Before closing an opening, make sure no animal is still using the space.
• Check crawl space vents: Look for openings that could provide access to a sheltered area.

Work through these items consistently. Removing one food source may not help if another remains nearby, and closing one gap will not solve the problem if a second sheltered entrance is still open.

When should you trap an opossum?

Trapping may be appropriate when an opossum has moved under the house or into a building and will not leave. Before setting a trap, check local regulations for trapping and relocation. If you are unsure how to proceed, or cannot safely reach the den area, contact a wildlife control professional.

Cold weather makes timely attention especially important. A captured animal should not be left waiting for a long period, so use a method that lets you know promptly when the trap has closed and be prepared to respond.

How can OcuTrap help with humane winter trapping?

OcuTrap is a smart, box-style live-capture trap and monitoring system for raccoon-size animals and cats. It sends a real-time photo alert at the moment of capture, allowing you to identify the animal and respond quickly in the cold.

If a non-target animal such as a cat enters the trap, you can release it remotely from the app without making a site visit. Cellular connectivity helps OcuTrap work where Wi-Fi may not reach, including by a shed, under a deck or elsewhere around a property. The same app can monitor any number of traps across properties.

What should you do next?

Let a passing opossum continue on its way, then remove the food and shelter opportunities that could encourage it to spend the winter on your property. For a more responsive approach when humane trapping is warranted, visit ocutrap.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an opossum keep returning to my yard in cold weather?

A winter visitor may be returning because it can find food or a sheltered den near your home. Bring pet food indoors, secure trash and compost, clear fallen fruit and bird seed, and inspect spaces beneath decks, sheds and the house. Removing those attractions can encourage the opossum to continue moving through the area.

What should I do if an opossum is under my deck during winter?

Give the opossum space and remove nearby food sources first. Before closing any gap beneath the deck, make sure the animal is no longer inside. If it will not leave, check local trapping and relocation regulations and consider contacting a wildlife control professional, particularly when the den area is difficult to access.

How quickly should I respond when a live trap closes in winter?

Respond as promptly as practical because a captured animal should not wait for a long period in cold weather. A real-time photo alert can confirm the capture and identify the animal immediately, helping you decide whether to attend the trap or remotely release a non-target animal when the trapping system supports that function.

What if I accidentally catch a cat instead of an opossum?

Treat the cat as a non-target animal and release it promptly without handling it directly. A system that provides a photo alert at the moment of capture helps you identify what entered the trap. OcuTrap also allows remote door control from the app, including releasing a non-target animal without a site visit.