I didn't realize from your original post that you have a fenced yard. I thought you were afraid that you dog would run off after the opossum. You said it was a big opossum but there must be a way it has to get into your yard. Opossum's are not the kind of animal that will attack any animal. Of course they will make a big fuss to try to look scary if they feel threatened but they are scavengers and not out for a fuss with anyone. They are slow movers and usually get the worst end of any encounter with dogs. Their inability to move quickly is also the reason you see them dead in the road as well.
It sounds like your dog was more interested in the smell of the creature in it's yard than actually meeting the critter.
We live away from the road down in the woods and have about every creature known to the north east passing through the yard at one time or another through out the day or night. Gracie loves everyone and would just love to meet a opossum. It sounds like your dog handled the whole situation very well since she did not have any interest in meeting the opossum face to face. Sorry you had such a scare. It sounds like the opossum was just as scared as you were! They really have little ability to protect themselves except their scary faces but it is best not to let your pets go after any wild animal. Your dog was smart enough not to. |