I've got a cagey opossum that's bigger than a medium sized dog around here. The one time I got a shot at her it was a misfire. First time I saw her I wouldn't shoot for fear it's someone's dog... Then got a look at her head. Next time I see her, we'll be using the Stoger rather than the .22. Speaking of which, got up this morning and one of her off spring tried to come in the house. Half asleep fired the rifle from the hip and figured I missed... blood trail suggests otherwise. I found it on the other side of my deck hiding and put two more rounds in it. Sure it was dead... Came out when the sun was up and it was gone. They are resilient...