• Opossums from the environment: Injured or ill of any age, and orphans

1. General
   
   1. Where possible, they should be returned to the environment.
   2. If one is unable to insure that the animal will have a reasonable chance of survival in the environment, the opossum might be:
      1. adapted by a suitable family if sufficient socialization is possible, and future total care is assured by the family.
      2. released into a secure yard or home care with qualified individuals, if socialization isn't possible, and total future care is assured by the individual.
2. Orphan Care
   
   1. The public, in general, should not raise orphans. Experienced individuals are available either to provide direct care, or in close, continued consultation with the care-giver.
   2. Orphan care-givers should:
      1. be formally trained by experienced individuals
      2. provide follow-through to release of the infant into the environment.
   3. Infant formula and diet recommendations are provided by NOS.
   4. Surrogate mother opossums may be used where available- given appropriate procedures are followed- and:
      1. the mother is significantly handicapped and non- releasable.
      2. the mother is provided total care for her life time after serving as surrogate. NOTE: NOS is opposed to exploitation of one animal for the benefit of another, including infants, except where that animal's needs and welfare are also of major concern.
      3. Healthy, normal, mobile females should be released, rather than confined for surrogacy.
3. Medical Care for Any Ill/Injured Opossum
   1. Opossums should receive care from:
      1. veterinarians experienced with opossums and their disorders -OR-
      2. veterinarians in consult with another having this expertise.
   2. Veterinarians are encouraged to provide care for all injured/ill opossums. Unlike some species, opossums are, more often than not, able to recover from seemingly fatal problems. In addition to saving a life, we add to our knowledge of the animal.
   3. Individuals, groups, and agencies are encouraged to help support the care of ill/injured opossums through donations for their medical supplies and food, or through organized volunteer efforts.

• Clinical Research

1. NOS supports and encourages continued clinical research in the care and rehabilitation/ release of opossums.
2. Clinical research includes diet behavior, environmental issues, and medical innovation on behalf of opossums.

• Education

National Opossums Society supports and encourages:
1. Education of ourselves and the sharing of information with wildlife experts on all aspects of the proper care of opossums.
2. Education of the public, by all possible means, concerning the beneficial nature of the opossum in the environment.
3. Work with various local governmental and private agencies to improve the management and handling of opossums in the environment.

• Long Range Planning
  National Opossum Society supports and encourages:

1. Development of ongoing funding for the care and rehabilitation of "wild" opossums.
2. The establishment of regional clinical research clinics for the benefit of opossums.

A WORD ON OPOSSUMS IN RESEARCH FACILITIES

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Within institutions such as universities where opossums are kept captive for research projects of questionable value, they are rarely given the most basic care they require to live healthy lives. Their habitat requirements are not met at all in "pure" research. Wildlife experiences extreme stress under these circumstances, and thus are not going to remain healthy for long.

The National Opossum Society supports clinical research that strives to improve the health of the Didelphis genus or the individual opossum. Other research that intends to extrapolate data to benefit another species is not endorsed or supported in any way.