05/14/2026
Unfortunately, baby season and fly season go hand in hand. This baby opossum came to us from the kind folks at the Reptile Preservation Institute after being found orphaned and were covered in tiny yellow specks. Sometimes they’re mistaken for pollen, dirt, dried milk, or scabs, and sometimes they aren’t noticed by finders at all. These tiny nasty things are called fly strike, also known as myiasis…they’re fly eggs laid on a living animal that hatch into maggots, which then feed on the animal’s flesh. Sounds like something out of a horror movie right? Sadly, it’s very real, and can become fatal quickly.
Orphaned, injured, weak, or wet wildlife of all ages are vulnerable. Flies are attracted to moisture, wounds, feces/urine, and animals too weak to groom themselves for extended periods. In Florida heat, eggs can hatch in as little as 8 hours, and once they do, the maggots begin burrowing into tissues. They can spread beyond the skin and invade wounds or body cavities, leading to internal infections, organ damage, and even death.
If you ever find a baby animal, look closely for:
-Tiny yellow, cream, or rice-like specks clustered on the fur or skin
-Small white worms or movement around wounds, eyes, ears, or ge****ls
-A foul smell, wet fur, or irritated skin
-Lethargy, weakness, or crying babies covered in flies
One of the most important things you can do is get the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Please DO NOT try to pick the eggs off yourself, bathe or rinse the baby, or use peroxide, topical or oral flea products, or home remedies, as many can make things worse, are not safe for wildlife or not dosed correctly for babies, or cause dangerous drops in body temperature. Keeping the animal warm, dark, and quiet while arranging transport is the best first step.
This is also why timely rescue matters so much. What may look “fine for now” can turn into a life-threatening emergency in just a few hours this time of year. If you are ever unsure, contact a licensed rehabber right away. Early intervention can truly mean the difference between life and death. Animal Help Now is a great resource to find a rehabber near you by zip code by going to www.ahnow.org or you can text us directly at 352-234-6098
