Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.
Where Hope Takes Flight
Injured Opossum Rescued by Volunteer After Being Found Outside
This injured opossum rescued by volunteer Hillary reminds us that wildlife rescue does not always start with a dramatic phone call. Sometimes it starts with a volunteer noticing something is not right.
One of our volunteers, Hillary, had a badly hurt opossum showing up to eat with the outside cats. At first, she caught the opossum on video and could tell something was wrong. She just could not tell exactly how bad it was yet.
That is how these cases happen sometimes. Wildlife tries so hard to survive that they hide the worst of their injuries until you get close enough to see what is really going on.
Hurt Opossum Care Started With One Volunteer Paying Attention
Hillary did exactly what we always hope people will do. She did not ignore the opossum. She did not assume the animal would be fine. She watched, paid attention, and realized this little lady needed help.
She put out a trap and caught her the first night.
That part alone is a big deal. Injured wildlife does not always cooperate with rescue plans, even when those plans are clearly in their best interest. Thankfully, this opossum went in quickly, and Hillary was able to get a much better look.
What she saw surprised her.
The injury was much worse than she first thought.
Injured Opossum Rescue Took a Team Effort
Once Hillary realized how serious the injuries were, she drove the opossum over to me for the night. I kept her safe until morning, then got her to Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday.
That is how rescue works behind the scenes. One person notices. Another person traps. Someone transports. Someone keeps the animal overnight. Then the wildlife rehabilitators take over the medical side.
It is not always fancy, but it works.
And sometimes, that chain of people is the only reason an animal gets a chance.
A Chance This Opossum Would Not Have Had Alone
We are still waiting on an update about this lady’s condition and her chances. From what I could see, I think she may have a good chance with wound care, road rash dressings, cleaning, and antibiotics.
Of course, wildlife rehabbers and veterinarians will know more once they can fully evaluate her.
What I do know is this: This injured opossum rescued by volunteer Hillary had a chance because someone noticed the problem before it was too late.
This opossum was showing up hurt, trying to eat, and doing her best to survive. Without someone paying attention, she could have kept getting worse. Instead, she got trapped safely, transported, stabilized overnight, and moved to proper wildlife care.
That matters.
Why Opossums Deserve Help
Opossums are often misunderstood. They are quiet, useful little animals that eat ticks, clean up fallen food, and mostly just want to be left alone.
They are not out looking for trouble. Most of the time, they are just trying to make it through the night.
When an opossum shows up injured, especially one still trying to eat, that animal is fighting hard. This little lady was doing exactly that. She found food, found a kind human, and ended up with a real chance.
Thank You, Hillary
We want to say a big thank you to Hillary.
She always manages to find time in her busy schedule to help, and this opossum lady needed exactly that kind of person. Someone who noticed. Someone who cared. Someone who did not look away.
I know for sure this sweet opossum thanks her with all her heart.
Good job, Hillary.
Good luck, sweet lady opossum. We are all pulling for you.
#RFPSInc #BroadbentWildlife #ReelTimeAnimalRescue #InjuredOpossum #OpossumRescue #WildlifeRescue
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