A 4-month-old opossum is usually about the size of a small kitten, measuring 10 to 12 inches long from nose to tail. At this age, it typically weighs between 1 and 2 pounds and is old enough to live on its own.
Opossums grow quickly, transforming from tiny pouch-bound newborns into independent juveniles within just a few months. By the time they reach 4 months old, they’re no longer clinging to their mother’s back and are beginning to fend for themselves.
Many people who spot a young opossum in their yard or near their home wonder how big it should be at this stage. Knowing their average size helps you understand their growth, independence, and whether they might still need help.
Learn more: Why is possum not running away?
How Big Is a 4 Month Old Opossum?
At 4 months old, an opossum typically measures around 10 to 12 inches long from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its weight usually falls between 1 and 2 pounds, making it about the size of a small kitten.
This is the stage when young opossums transition from being dependent on their mother to surviving on their own. While still smaller than adults, they are strong enough to forage, climb, and find shelter independently.
What Does a 4 Month Old Opossum Look Like?
A 4-month-old opossum has a fully furred body, with grayish or brownish fur, a white face, and a long bare tail. Its features are more defined than a baby’s, with alert black eyes, rounded ears, and small sharp teeth ready for foraging.
Compared to adults, they still look slimmer and less filled out, often appearing lanky as they grow into their proportions. While not yet full size, they already resemble miniature versions of adult opossums in both appearance and behavior.
When Do Opossums Become Independent?
Opossums usually become independent between 3 and 4 months of age, which is when they stop riding on their mother’s back and begin exploring alone. By this stage, they have developed the skills needed to climb, forage, and avoid predators.
At 4 months old, most young opossums are capable of surviving without parental care. They start finding food sources on their own, such as insects, small animals, fruits, and vegetation, while seeking shelter in brush piles or under decks.
How Fast Do Opossums Grow?
Opossums grow at a rapid pace, starting life as tiny, underdeveloped newborns that crawl into their mother’s pouch. Within just a few months, they progress from hairless and helpless to fully furred juveniles capable of living on their own.
By the time they reach 4 months, their growth has slowed compared to the early weeks but remains steady as they gain strength and independence. Factors like access to food, overall health, and environmental conditions can all influence how quickly an opossum develops.
Should You Be Concerned About a 4 Month Old Opossum?
Most 4-month-old opossums are independent and do not need human intervention. At this age, they are strong enough to find food, climb, and seek shelter on their own in the wild.
However, there are times when concern is justified. If a young opossum appears injured, disoriented, or unusually small for its age, it may need help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How to Tell if a Young Opossum Needs Help
A healthy 4-month-old opossum should be at least 7 inches long from nose to base of tail and able to walk steadily. If it’s smaller than that, injured, or wandering alone in daylight, it may be in distress.
Other warning signs include visible wounds, weakness, or lack of coordination. In these cases, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator or professional removal service is the safest way to give the young opossum proper care.
Conclusion
By 4 months old, an opossum is about the size of a small kitten, measuring 10 to 12 inches long and weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. At this stage, it looks like a miniature adult and is usually ready to live independently.
While most young opossums at this age can survive without their mother, some may still face dangers if injured or underdeveloped. Observing from a distance and seeking professional help when needed ensures both the animal’s safety and your peace of mind.
Get Professional Help with Opossum Problems
If you’ve noticed young or adult opossums around your property, it’s best to handle the situation carefully. AAAC Wildlife Removal provides humane solutions to safely remove opossums and protect your home from damage or unwanted encounters.
Our team can identify entry points, secure your property, and ensure these animals don’t return.
