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We are Alpharetta Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Georgia critter problems. We service the greater Alpharetta region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 470-524-1048 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Clayton County, Fayette County, Coweta County, Carroll County, Douglas County, Cobb County, and more. We also service Johns Creek, Fairburn, Palmetto, Atlanta, Hapeville, Sandy Springs, Chattahoochee Hills, Roswell, College Park, Milton, South Fulton, East Point, Mountain Park, Union City, and more.

Alpharetta Wildlife Education: What If You Are Bitten By A Possum?

Your first instinct when you see a possum should be to keep your distance so you aren’t bitten or scratched. Luckily, possums are more likely to intimidate you than actually bite, but it has been known to happen. If you approach a possum, they will most likely open their mouth wide to show off their teeth then drool. At this point, you will probably back away and be fine. In most cases, these animals only bite humans if you specifically agitate it by prodding the animal, cornering it, or otherwise riling it up. If you are unfortunate enough to get in a situation where you are bitten, then you will need to know what to do.



Take Care Of The Wound
The first step to take if you are bitten by a possum is to attend to the wound. If you are bleeding actively, apply pressure so it stops. Afterwards, clean the wound gently with an antibiotic cream and/or soap and water. Go to the emergency room if you are seriously wounded or you can’t stop the bleeding after applying firm pressure steadily for ten minutes. You should also get immediate medical help if you are bleeding severely.

Go To The Doctor
Since possums are wild animals, there is a risk that they will be carrying disease. As such, you need to go to your doctor after taking care of the bite. Your doctor will examine the wound carefully to make sure you don’t need stitches and probably apply another antibiotic cream. After you are patched up, your doctor will probably go over the warning signs of an infection with you and ask you to return if you notice any of them. They may also request a follow up appointment in a week or so to see how the wound is healing.

Go back to your doctor right away if you notice any indication of an infection. Some common signs include an increase in redness, pain, oozing, or swelling by the site of the bite.

What About Diseases?
While there are some diseases that possums can spread, you will be glad to know that it is nearly impossible for them to have rabies. That is because possums have a relatively low body temperature and rabies requires one that is higher than this in order to survive and replicate effectively. If your doctor recommends preventative measures or treatment for any particular diseases that possums may carry, follow their advice as they have your best interests in mind.

Previous Education Articles
What if a wild Alpharetta animal got inside my house
How to inspect a house for Alpharetta rat entry holes
What is the best bait to trap an Alpharetta skunk?
Venomous Snakes of Georgia