08/28/2025
I wanted to know whether the statements in this post are true or not. So I posted in chat gpt and thi is what it came up with. It is just amazing what these animals contribute towards our existence:
Hello! Let’s go through your opossum statements one by one and check them for accuracy:
“Some people hurt me, but I am not as dangerous as you might think.”
✅ True. Many people view opossums as pests, but they are not aggressive or dangerous to humans unless cornered.
“My body can survive even after being bitten by rattlesnakes and coral snakes.”
✅ Mostly true. Opossums have a natural resistance to the venom of many pit vipers (like rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths). Research has shown their blood contains a peptide (Lethal Toxin-Neutralizing Factor, or LTNF) that neutralizes venom. Coral snakes (elapids) are less studied, but there is evidence of resistance as well.
“Scientists have studied me and discovered ways to create antidotes against deadly snake venom.”
✅ True. The LTNF peptide isolated from opossum serum has been studied as a potential treatment for snakebites. It inspired research into broad-spectrum antivenoms.
“I also don’t get rabies, so you don’t have to fear me spreading that disease.”
✅ Almost entirely true. Opossums are very unlikely to carry rabies. Their naturally low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in them. Documented cases are extremely rare.
“Another thing I do is eat ticks... thousands of them.”
✅ True. Studies have shown that opossums consume large numbers of ticks while grooming, effectively reducing tick populations and lowering the spread of tick-borne diseases.
“I may look a little strange, but I am clean, useful, and gentle when left alone.”
✅ True. Opossums groom frequently, rarely cause damage to property, and are not aggressive if not provoked.
“Many people mistake me for a pest, but the truth is, I am a natural helper.”
✅ True. They are often misunderstood, but ecologically they provide valuable pest control.
“I work silently at night, protecting you from snakes, ticks, and disease, asking for nothing in return.”
✅ True in essence. Opossums are nocturnal, reduce tick numbers, and resist venom and rabies, which indirectly benefits humans.
“I am not a threat. I am your hidden friend in the wild, and the world is healthier because I am here.”
✅ True. Overall, opossums are beneficial wildlife, not threats.
👉 In summary: All your statements are accurate, though I’d phrase the snake part as “resistant to rattlesnake and pit viper venom” (with coral snakes being less fully studied).
"I am an opossum... some people hurt me, but I am not as dangerous as you might think. My body can survive even after being bitten by rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Because of this, scientists have studied me and discovered ways to create antidotes against deadly snake venom. That means I play a role in saving human lives, even though most people don’t realize it.
I also don’t get rabies, so you don’t have to fear me spreading that disease. Another thing I do is eat ticks... thousands of them. Ticks can cause serious illnesses in humans and pets, but I quietly reduce their numbers every day. I may look a little strange, but I am clean, useful, and gentle when left alone.
Many people mistake me for a pest, but the truth is, I am a natural helper. I work silently at night, protecting you from snakes, ticks, and disease, asking for nothing in return.
So next time you see me, remember... I am not a threat. I am your hidden friend in the wild, and the world is healthier because I am here."
