Wildlife Rescuers Sound Alarm Over Rising Violence Against Opossums in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos, Mexico — Wildlife rescuers are raising alarms about increasing violence against opossums in this coastal town, following a surge in roadkill incidents and dog attacks that recently brought another injured animal to a specialized refuge.

The opossum, with superficial injuries from a canine attack, remains under observation at the Tlacuatitlan – Place of Opossums refuge along the Ruta de los Cenotes. Rescuers are providing food and thermal protection while determining whether the animal needs hospital care or can return to its natural habitat in coming days.

Refuge members say these attacks, combined with vehicle collisions, represent one of the primary threats to the species in the region. The situation has prompted urgent calls for residents and activists to promote responsible coexistence and reduce violence toward these marsupials.

Eugenia Poblete, vice president of the project, warned that opossums continue to face stigma and misconceptions that lead to direct aggression. “One of the most widespread myths is that they transmit rabies, which is false, but this has caused the deaths of millions of specimens over time,” she said.

Poblete explained that Tlacuatitlan began over 15 years ago as a domestic animal rescue effort, but founders gradually identified the need to protect wildlife, particularly opossums. Since 2013, they’ve focused on opossum care, formally establishing as a foundation in 2018 with their own space in the jungle.

Currently, the refuge dedicates 95% of its infrastructure and management to this species and permanently houses 45 to 60 animals that cannot return to the wild due to severe injuries.

During breeding season from February through September, admissions increase significantly, with the refuge sometimes receiving dozens of babies and adults in a single day, mostly from vehicle collisions or attacks.

The rescuer emphasized that most injured animals are reproductive females, compounding the impact since their deaths leave orphaned babies requiring specialized care. She added that the refuge operates without government funding, sustaining itself through personal contributions, donations, and community activities.