Finding a possum in your Maryland yard can be startling, especially when you’re tending to your prized vegetable garden or flower beds. These marsupials are common throughout our state, often appearing in suburban and rural areas where they can find food and shelter.
Before you rush to remove these critters from your property, there are several important things you should understand about their behavior and the role they play in Maryland’s backyard ecosystems.
1. They’re Actually Beneficial For Your Garden
Maryland gardens face constant threats from ticks, slugs, and other pests that can damage plants. These nocturnal visitors consume thousands of ticks annually, helping reduce Lyme disease risk in your yard.
Your vegetable patches and flower beds actually benefit from their presence. During my years of gardening in Baltimore County, I’ve noticed fewer pest problems in areas where these marsupials visit regularly…