Erechim, Brazil - July 18, 2024

On Thursday (18/07), the Military Brigade, through the 3rd Environmental Battalion (BABM), successfully rescued a White-Eared Opossum (Didelphis albiventris) in the municipality of Erechim.

The rescue operation was initiated after a resident alerted PATRAM about an opossum that had invaded their home and sought refuge inside a wooden box. Military police arrived on the scene to find the wild animal active and unharmed.

Following evaluation, it was determined that the opossum did not sustain any injuries and was subsequently reintroduced into its natural habitat.

The White-Eared Opossum is a native marsupial mammal in our fauna. Females have a pouch where their offspring stay for four months until fully developed. After this period, the young cling to the mother's back until they become independent. They inhabit forests, shrublands, and open fields, showing relative adaptation to urban environments.

Known for their climbing abilities, opossums are often seen high in trees or using residential ceilings as dens. They are solitary creatures with nocturnal habits and contribute to disease vector and venomous animal control due to their immunity to venom.