Opossums generally don't seek shelter and don't create nests in human houses. They generally don't go to attic or crawl under the house to make nest. The only reason why they would approach human residences is in search for food. Minneapolis opossums don't actually build nests-they forage carcass and find place in it to settle for the time being, when they are looking for a quiet spot to rest and recuperate.



Only female Minnesota opossums will get onto the attic to give birth to babies and to stay there while feeding them while they are still in the pouch. This is situation when female needs quiet and safety and this is the only reason why Minneapolis opossum will choose to enter human residence. Opossums breed in Spring, and youngsters will be delivered during May or June. They will stay attached to mother for few weeks before getting outside-when they will continue to be attached to her, but she will carry them one by one on her back.

Another situation when Minneapolis opossums could choose to get onto the attic is during coldest winter months, to protect themselves from the hardest cold. Opossums will cause damage in the attic or under the house as any other rodent. They will create lots of dirt (feces and urine) while at the same time damaging insulation and installations. They chew on wood and rip off pieces of insulation to make themselves more comfortable. They also chew on any and all obstacles that could prevent them from moving freely around, in and out. Additionally, their primary motivation is finding food, so they will chew on anything in search for food.

Minnesota opossums do live near people, but they will approach close to house doors or even into the attic when they are looking for food. Opossums are omnivorous, i.e. they eat anything and everything, which is a reason why they forage garbage bins, dumpsters and trash cans. However, in majority of situations, they are coming second onto trash cans, because larger rodents come here first looking for a food, which only motivates Minneapolis opossums to come afterwards. The same goes for the situation when people feed their pets outside of the house. After opossum sees pet food remains just once, they will remember that there is a source food on this destination and will regularly return to find more food. This can be stopped if you stop feeding a pet outside, or if you make sure to remove food remains as soon as your pet has finished the meal.

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