I interviewed Suzie DeGrasse of Primarily ‘Possums Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (www.primarilypossums.org). She is located near Athens, GA.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do, and how long you have been doing it?
My main mission is rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife. I have been doing this for 9 years now. I specialize in opossums, bats, cottontail rabbis and armadillos and am licensed for small animals, songbirds and rabies vector species.
Why do Opossums usually come to you and how many have you helped?
Thousands, and it increases every year as more people become aware of checking pouches when an opossum is hit by a car. The majority of animals that come to me are orphaned, mom has been hit by a car or attacked by a dog.
What do you love about Opossums?
I am always learning about them. They are Marsupials and their babies grow differently to other mammals. They are highly intelligent with interesting and adaptive behaviors. They worked their way up the States from South America. They are also absolutely adorable.
Could you tell us something about Opossums that not many people know about?
They are omnivores. They don’t eat garbage. They eat things like insects, carrion, frogs as well as berries and fruits. They have 51 teeth! All of their development happens in the pouch, not uterus. When they are born they have only gestated 13 days and are still embryos. That is why it is so important to check the pouch. They stay in the pouch a long time.
How can people help Opossums?
Slow down. Give opossums a brake. They don’t mean to get in your way. If you know one is in your yard make noise before letting your dog out. If you see a dead opossum please check the pouch for living babies.
How can the community help you?
Primarily ‘Possums is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated. You can also help by volunteering time to help babies and build and maintain enclosures. Carpentry help is very needed.
Primarily ‘Possums also helps bats. Why bats?
Bats are heading for endangered status. Populations are suffering due to less food as a result of pesticide use and loss of habitat. There are only 2 bat rehabbers in Georgia. We need more rehabbers.
Why do bats usually need to be rehabilitated?
The majority are babies that have fallen out of the colony. Sometimes there is not enough room as they are all born around the same time at the end of May. Injured adults are often caught by cats or suffer collisions.
Are there any myths about bats that aren’t true?
Not all bats carry rabies. Only around 1%. They are not generally rabid creatures, but don’t touch a grounded bay without a rehabbers instructions. They are not blood-suckers. They are insectivorous. None of the bats in our area eat fruit. Bats have very small eyes and can see fine, but rely on echolocations more than vision. Brown bats are also very talkative amongst themselves.
Do you have a story about bats that you like to tell?
I have a new flight tent. Watching the little bat I am currently rehabbing going from drinking milk to learning how to fly has been a real treat and an honor.
What is something you really want people to know about bats?
Pesticide use affects bats by reducing the amount of food available to them. When we spray for mosquitos we are effectively eradicating bats. Bats are music more effective at reducing mosquitos and should be encouraged.
What should someone do if they find an injured bat?
Contain it. Even just put a box over it and don’t handle it if possible. Try to get it to crawl into a box then call a rehabber.
What are the biggest threats to bats?
Habitat reduction, pesticide use and outside cats.