Think I’ll let the little critter eat ticks & mosquito and not make him a meal...
Opossums are generally safe to eat. However, like most wild game, these creatures can carry several germs and diseases. Some may possess a bacteria that causes tularaemia, an illness with symptoms similar to the flu. They can also harbor the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
To avoid foodborne illness caused by opossums, soak the meat in a salt-and-vinegar brine for at least 24 hours. This will help kill any bacteria that may be present. Once the meat is brined, cook it to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. These steps will ensure your meal is delicious and germ-free.
Thanks, I’ll do that next time I accidently hit a speed bump lol- I’ve never tried woodchuck or racoon, but I guess those are, or were staples on the menu not so long ago too. I’ve eaten tree rats before, but wasn’t crazy agout the flavor- prba ly woulda been much better had it brined for awhile. I tried it fried, which made it way too tough, and pressure cooked, which was much better, but still the flavor wasn’t all that great. Likely woulda been much better in a stew.