" The notion that opossums actively consume ticks found on
their body has been grossly overstated to suggest that the
animal is an integral component in the “control” of Lyme
disease - a statement that has yet to be proven in any capacity.”
https://furbearerconservation.com/the-opossum-benefits-misconceptions.
The Possum is awesome, or so people say.
It eats up its own weight in ticks every day.
Or maybe that’s three times its weight, I’m not sure.
If you suffer from ticks then a possum’s the cure.
In fact, it’s the answer to most of your wishes.
It changes the linen and washes the dishes,
Sweeps up any mud it tracked in the front hall,
And never eats garbage. Well hardly at all.
Although many sceptics contend it’s absurd,
When a possum starts singing it sings like a bird.
And best of all possums can heal with their touch,
Curing rabies, and scabies, distemper and such.
They’re affectionate animals, fuzzy and snugly.
And would make perfect pets if they weren’t so darn ugly.
With a long toothy snout and a rubbery nose,
A tail like a rat, and those pink splayed-out toes.