Save the babies! SPCA Monterey looking for help in rescuing baby opossums

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is seeking community support to help save local baby opossums.

They say that every spring, female opossums hold babies in their pouches as the babies grow. According to the SPCA, some of the mother opossums are hit by cars while foraging for food and the babies cannot survive without emergency rescue.

"Tragically, many babies slowly starve or freeze to death in their mother’s pouch after being hit by a car," wrote the SPCA in a statement Tuesday.

Now, the SPCA is turning to drivers and people who might come across an opossum lying on the side of the road.

They say that if it's safe to do so, please check on the opossum. If the opossum is alive but injured, the SPCA says to call 831.264.5427 or visit spcamc.org/wildlife.

If the opossum is recently deceased, the SPCA says to check if it is male or female, stating that the anatomy is "easily apparent."

"If the opossum is female, use gloves and a towel, rag, or washcloth to gently open the pouch and check for babies," says the SPCA. "They can be as small as honey bees, but they will be pink and squirming. If you find babies, please call us for help."

The SPCA says not to try and remove the babies because that can seriously injure their small mouths. Also, make sure to wash your hands afterwards.

According to the SPCA, opossum babies can survive for several hours after their mother dies. 

They say that last year, 81 opossum babies were rescued after their mothers were hit by cars.