Opossum Encounters on the Rise in Hawai‘i
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Imagine stumbling upon a creature described as having ”a head like a swine … tail like a rat … of the bigness of a cat” in the middle of the night. While not uncommon in other parts of the world, such an encounter in Hawai‘i would be a surprising, and likely creepy, experience. Recently,employees at a big-box store in Kona had just such an encounter.
Thay didn’t shy away. Instead, they bravely captured the 6-pound male opossum on January 4th. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture was alerted and quickly retrieved the animal, transporting it to Honolulu.
This incident marks the second opossum sighting in Hawai‘i in just a few months. Another of these non-native marsupials was trapped in mid-December 2024 at a big-box store in Iwilei, O‘ahu.
A History of Opossum Sightings
Over the years,several opossums have been found in Hawai‘i,ofen near shipping areas. These sightings include:
- August 2024: An opossum was captured at a freight company in Kalihi, O‘ahu, after workers saw it run into a shipping container.
- July 2024: An opossum was found on a window ledge of an office building in downtown Honolulu.
- June 2016: An opossum was captured by workers unloading a cargo ship at Honolulu Harbor.
- July 2015: An opossum was captured in Kaka‘ako on O‘ahu, near the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Office on Ala Moana Boulevard.
- July 2012: An opossum was caught in an animal trap at a warehouse on Sand Island, O‘ahu.
- August 2011: one was found in a shipping container while being unloaded in Honolulu’s Ward Center area.
- 2005: Two opossums were found on O‘ahu — one inside a military cargo plane at Hickam Air Force Base and the other in the mail receiving area of the Honolulu International Airport’s U.S. Postal Service facility.
Even though opossums are less likely to carry rabies than some other mammals, they can carry parasites and diseases. As a precaution, the recently captured opossum was humanely euthanized for rabies testing.
What Should You Do If You See an Opossum?
Opossums are omnivores with a diverse diet, feasting on insects, bird eggs and rodents, and also fruits and vegetables.If you spot an illegal animal like an opossum in Hawai‘i, it is indeed critically important to report it to the authorities. You can contact the statewide toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
How do opossums pose a threat to Hawai‘i’s delicate ecosystems?
Interview with Dr. Lani Kealoha,Wildlife Biologist and Invasive Species Expert
Conducted by Archyde News Editor,Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson (Archyde): Dr. Kealoha, thank you for joining us today. Recent reports of opossum sightings in Hawai‘i have sparked curiosity and concern among residents. Can you shed some light on why these creatures are appearing in the islands?
Dr. Lani Kealoha: Thank you for having me, Sarah. Opossums are not native to Hawai‘i, and their presence here is entirely due to human activity. These animals are likely stowaways on cargo ships arriving from the mainland U.S. or other regions where opossums are common. The recent incidents—such as the six-pound opossum trapped in Kona or the one captured near the U.S. Immigration and naturalization Office in Kaka‘ako—are clear examples of how invasive species can hitch a ride on global trade routes.
sarah Thompson: That’s interesting. What makes opossums notably concerning as an invasive species in Hawai‘i?
dr. Lani Kealoha: Opossums are highly adaptable creatures. They’re omnivores, meaning they’ll eat almost anything—fruits, insects, small animals, and even garbage. This adaptability allows them to thrive in new environments, but it also poses a threat to Hawai‘i’s delicate ecosystems. They can compete with native species for food, disrupt local agriculture, and perhaps spread diseases. Additionally, Hawai‘i’s native wildlife has evolved without natural predators like opossums, making them particularly vulnerable.
Sarah Thompson: Are there any specific risks to public health or safety?
Dr. Lani Kealoha: While opossums are generally not aggressive toward humans, they can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.They’re also known to raid gardens and trash cans, which can create nuisance situations for residents.However, the bigger concern is their potential impact on Hawai‘i’s biodiversity.
Sarah Thompson: What steps are being taken to address this issue?
Dr. Lani Kealoha: The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and local wildlife agencies are actively monitoring and responding to reports of opossum sightings. Trapping and removal efforts, like the ones we’ve seen in Kona and Sand Island, are crucial to preventing these animals from establishing a population. Public awareness is also key—residents should report any sightings immediately and avoid feeding or interacting with these animals.
Sarah Thompson: What can residents do to help protect Hawai‘i’s ecosystems from invasive species like opossums?
Dr. Lani kealoha: The frist step is education. Understanding the risks posed by invasive species and how they’re introduced is critical. Residents should also secure their trash bins, avoid leaving pet food outside, and report any unusual wildlife sightings to local authorities. supporting policies and initiatives aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive species is essential.
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Kealoha, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that opossums, while seemingly harmless, pose a notable threat to Hawai‘i’s unique surroundings.
Dr. Lani Kealoha: Thank you, Sarah. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our islands’ natural heritage.
End of Interview
This interview highlights the growing concern over opossum encounters in Hawai‘i and underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the islands’ ecosystems. For more updates on this story, stay tuned to Archyde.
