Opossum Boom Sparks Wildlife Rescue Surge in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The high season for opossums has led to a sharp increase in wildlife rescues across Playa del Carmen, according to local authorities. As of April, the Secretariat of the Environment reported 175 animals attended to, with numbers continuing to rise this month.

Rising Rescue Operations

Grisel Chico, head of the Wildlife Division, confirmed that teams are currently conducting six to seven rescues per day. Official data for May has not yet been incorporated into the total count.

In addition to rescues, two recent roadkill incidents involving mammals such as deer and spider monkeys were recorded along Federal Highway 307. No incidents involving felines, including jaguars, have been reported.

The spike in cases highlights growing interactions between wildlife and urban areas. Authorities are urging residents to strengthen prevention measures and promote coexistence with local fauna.

Why Are Opossums So Active?

Opossums in Quintana Roo, particularly the common Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum), experience a surge in visibility and movement during the dry-to-wet seasonal transition, typically from March to June. This is their breeding season, during which they travel more frequently in search of food, water, and nesting sites—often bringing them into residential neighborhoods, parks, and even inside homes.

Though often misunderstood, opossums play an important ecological role. They are natural pest controllers, consuming large quantities of insects, ticks, and even small rodents. In fact, a single opossum can eat thousands of ticks in a single summer, helping to reduce the spread of tick-borne illnesses.

Wildlife and Urban Expansion

The Mexican Caribbean, including the Riviera Maya corridor, has seen a rapid increase in urban development in recent years. According to a 2023 report by SEMARNAT, Quintana Roo has one of the highest rates of deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the country due to tourism-driven real estate and infrastructure projects. This expansion reduces natural habitats and forces wildlife into closer contact with human populations.

Species like spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), deer, and even jaguars are now more frequently seen near roads and in suburban areas. Federal Highway 307, which cuts through important ecological corridors, has become a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions. Although jaguar crossings have been fortified in parts of the highway—particularly near Sian Ka’an and Tulum—incidents still occur elsewhere.

Conservation and Citizen Action

Authorities and NGOs are working to reduce human-wildlife conflict through public education campaigns, proper waste management, and the creation of safe wildlife corridors. One key initiative in the region is the installation of wildlife overpasses and underpasses along Highway 307, which allow animals to cross safely and reduce roadkill.

Residents are encouraged to take simple actions to protect wildlife:

• Avoid feeding wild animals, which can lead to dependency and increased aggression.

• Secure trash bins to prevent scavenging.

• Cover pools and water features, which can pose drowning hazards.

• Report injured or displaced animals to local environmental units such as PROFEPA or the municipal Department of Ecology.

Grisel Chico emphasized that community participation is vital to ongoing efforts. “We all share this land, and it’s up to us to ensure that native species continue to thrive—especially as we continue to grow as a city.”

For emergencies or to report a displaced wild animal in Playa del Carmen, residents can contact the Municipal Ecology Department or use Mexico’s Environmental Emergency Hotline at 800-776-3372.

For environmental violations or emergencies, you can also contact PROFEPA (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente):​CITES

Email: denuncias@profepa.gob.mx​

Phone: +52 (55) 5449 6300