FAQ

What’s with all the opossums?

On the weekends, I spend my time volunteering at the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) based in Waterville, Wisconsin. WINC rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife and releases healthy animals back into their natural habitat. The overall message of the programs is to encourage an understanding and appreciation of Wisconsin wildlife and to provide practical, real life applications on the best way for humans to interact with wildlife.

After spending time getting to know all of the wonderful Wisconsin wildlife up close and personal I fell in love with the Virginia Opossum - completely misunderstood but incredibly beneficial for keeping our ecosystem in check. They rarely carry rabies and eat what we would normally consider pests: cockroaches, slugs, snails, snakes, and ticks, which are a significant vector for Lyme disease.

I also learned that they evolved from tropical regions and migrated north; despite the fact that they have adapted to living through our tough winters, they have not evolved to do so. This means they do not hibernate and are susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia, and death during the harsh northern winters.

I based my initial educational handouts on the badger (a Wisconsin favorite) but after spending time with the opossums in our care I decided it was time to let this wonderful and intelligent creature shine in the limelight!

Consider supporting WINC or a local wildlife rehabilitation center near you today!

https://helpingwildlife.networkforgood.com/projects/162715-membership