Here on Cape Cod, Possums are extremely common. While their presence does have benefits in the local ecosystem, and generally are not dangerous to humans or their pets, their waste products as well as the damage and messes they cause should be left outside where they belong.

Possums often find themselves stumbling into open garages, basements, or attic spaces in search for food or shelter (similar to raccoons and other mammals.)

While possums don't often carry rabies or other diseases themselves, They do carry a large amount of parasites in the form of fleas, ticks, other dangerous insects. They also leave a lot of droppings, which pose the usual health risks, such as leptospirosis & Salmonella. In addition, possums very frequently die inside buildings, inside the attic or walls, and the smell of a rotting possum carcass is horrible. Something which should be left in the hands of well-trained professionals.