A trail camera captured an extraordinary moment of cooperation between two unlikely species: an opossum picking ticks off a deer’s face, shedding light on the misunderstood marsupial’s crucial role in nature.
In a powerful display of nature’s quiet harmony, a trail camera recently caught an opossum doing something remarkable—gently picking ticks off a deer’s face. The tender image has since gone viral, challenging long-standing misconceptions about these often-maligned marsupials and spotlighting their hidden ecological value.
Opossums, North America’s only native marsupials, often suffer from a bad reputation. Known for rummaging through garbage bins and taking refuge in attics during colder months, they’ve long been dismissed as pests. According to an Opossum Awareness & Advocacy spokesperson, this negative perception has historically led to violence and mistreatment, often fueled by the false belief that opossums are aggressive, dirty rodents that spread rabies.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Opossums are meticulously clean animals, grooming themselves as frequently as cats. Their low body temperature actually makes them highly resistant to rabies, and despite their hissing, “playing dead,” and other fear-driven defense mechanisms, they are timid by nature.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of opossums is their incredible contribution to controlling tick populations, and by extension, reducing the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in both animals and humans. It’s estimated that a single opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks in one season. That’s no small feat for a creature so often overlooked—or worse, feared
The trail camera footage of the opossum and deer serves as a perfect example of mutualism in the wild—a biological relationship where both species benefit. The deer gets relief from itchy, disease-carrying parasites, while the opossum enjoys a nutritious snack.
Unfortunately, opossums still face threats, particularly in rural areas where they’re blamed for rare diseases like Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), which can affect horses. While not all opossums carry the parasite responsible, some horse owners kill them on sight rather than taking preventative measures. Advocacy groups stress that education and coexistence are the keys to preserving this vital species.
Opossums don’t just eat ticks—they also prey on pests such as mice, slugs, snails, cockroaches, and even venomous snakes, making them natural pest controllers.
And despite common fears, they are not suitable household pets and, in many regions, it’s illegal to keep them without special permits. As humans continue to alter natural landscapes, opossums are increasingly forced into human environments, leading to more misunderstandings. Advocates urge people to show compassion and appreciate these nocturnal “janitors” of the ecosystem for the essential services they provide.
This unexpected moment between a deer and an opossum is more than just a viral photo—it’s a reminder that even the most unassuming creatures have a vital role in maintaining the balance of our natural world.
