On May 18, 2024, at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had an unexpected treat—a daytime sighting of an opossum. These nocturnal animals rarely venture out during the day, making this encounter a rare and memorable experience.
The Unexpected Sighting
It was a calm, pleasant day for a walk along one of the refuge’s utility roads. While enjoying the peaceful surroundings, I spotted an opossum in the distance, casually walking toward me. Knowing how shy and elusive these creatures can be, I quickly prepared my camera and crouched low, hoping to capture the moment.
To my surprise, the opossum kept approaching, seemingly unaware of my presence. As it got closer, I stayed motionless with my camera ready. The opossum eventually walked right past me and then moved to go around, providing a perfect angle for a straight-on shot. My camera’s silent shutter allowed me to photograph this moment without disturbing it.
Wildlife Photography Insights
This encounter underscored the unpredictable nature of wildlife photography, especially with animals like opossums. They’re usually most active at night, making my early morning sighting highly unusual. In eastern Oklahoma, opossums are generally more visible during the warmer months, from spring through fall. While they don’t hibernate, they do limit activity during extreme cold, often sheltering in their dens for days at a time.
Perfect Timing in Spring
The timing of this sighting, in the middle of spring, couldn’t have been better. The mild weather may have encouraged this opossum to roam during daylight, offering me this rare close-up opportunity.
A Reminder to Stay Prepared
This experience was a great reminder of the rewards of patience and preparation in wildlife photography. Nature’s surprises often happen when you least expect them, and being ready to capture those moments can make all the difference.