Sometimes nature catches us off guard. A real estate agent in Gretna, Nebraska, discovered that truth one winter night when she spotted paw prints on her patio couch and a Costco tuxedo chocolate mousse cake on the ground with only crumbs left.

An opossum reclined on her outdoor furniture, evidently too full to move. This bizarre incident astonished the homeowner and caused a wave of delight among animal lovers who know that opossums rarely turn down free meals.

Photo: Pexels

An opossum invaded a Nebraska family’s deck at night.

Unexpected Visitor Under the Porch Light

The Nebraska family intended to store extra food outside because of limited refrigerator space. A relative stepped out to place peanut butter balls on the deck. He shut the door and stepped back with a jolt. Moments later, the family saw a lethargic opossum covered in chocolate smears, paw prints everywhere, and barely any cake left.

That 10-inch Costco favorite features layers of mousse and fudge icing, a stark contrast to a wild marsupial’s usual diet, the homeowner told the NY Post.

A Surprise for Everyone

Opossums eat almost anything they can find. They scavenge through garbage, hunt rodents, and devour bugs or fruit. A hefty chocolate cake, however, rarely appears on their menu.

That one nocturnal wanderer did not mind the shift from typical backyard scraps to decadent dessert. The family attempted to nudge the animal away with noise, but it refused to leave. Concern rose when the opossum panted in apparent distress. The mother of the household then contacted local animal authorities, CNN reports, after she realized chocolate can prove harmful to many mammals.

Photo: Pexels

It consumed a Costco tuxedo chocolate mousse cake entirely.

Lead Poisoning Discovery

A rescue team transported the animal to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. Veterinarians there uncovered more than a bellyache. Doctors found lead toxicity, an ailment that often afflicts wildlife. According to People, the creature’s unexpected hospital stay saved its life, because the center decided to investigate underlying health concerns. Treatment at the Baldwin Wildlife Center and Hubbard Family Wildlife Hospital began right away. Besides close monitoring for chocolate-related complications, staff administered therapy to remove lead from the animal’s system.

Not the First Uninvited Buffet

Experts note that opossums usually stay out of sight, yet they do appear in yards or porches across America. This time, a perfect storm allowed the uninvited guest to devour an entire mousse cake. Cold outdoor temperatures offered enough refrigeration for the leftover dessert. The opossum simply capitalized on that sweet buffet. After the shock wore off, the homeowner named the critter “Blossom the Opossum,” Today reports, though many now refer to her as the “Cake Bandit.”

Photo: Pexels

Chocolate paw prints appeared on the family's newly purchased patio furniture.

An Uncomfortable Detox

Rehabilitators at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab placed the opossum on a strict diet to counter the effects of the sugary binge. They also tackled inflammation in her digestive tract and began chelation therapy for the lead issue, The Daily Beast reports. Caretakers described the patient as cranky because of the complete absence of chocolate from her new meal plan.

Animal lovers applauded the center’s updates on social media, posting thousands of supportive messages and comments like, “We’ve all been there” and “That opossum reminds me of my love for dessert.”

Opossums: A Special Part of U.S. Wildlife

Virginia opossums hold a unique place as the only marsupials in the United States. They have an uncanny ability to survive in diverse habitats, from urban alleys to rural woodlands. Their tails grasp branches, their mouths house dozens of teeth, and they often fake death to evade predators. Though some see them as pests, they benefit ecosystems by consuming unwanted insects, rodents, and even venomous snakes without harm. This chocolate mishap underscores the delicate balance between human life and the wild creatures that adapt to our environment.

Photo: Pexels

While opossums are not typically picky eaters, chocolate poses serious health problems to some mammals.

Return to the Outdoors

With each day, the “Cake Bandit” grows stronger. Rehab staff anticipate a late-March or early-April release date. Her caretakers expect her to resume her nightly foraging without the temptation of sugary confections.

That sweet fling with a Costco cake may remain her only brush with culinary fame. The homeowner, meanwhile, plans to store leftover desserts more securely. After all, nobody wants a repeat scenario with chocolate footprints staining patio furniture.

A Moment of Caution — and Camaraderie

Readers find humor and caution in this story. Though it inspires plenty of chuckles, it also highlights the importance of helping wildlife in distress. An occasional midnight snack rarely leads to major headlines. Yet that entire mousse cake, an open back porch, and a hungry opossum combined to create a minor social media legend. Through quick action, plus a dedicated rehab center, a sick animal now has a second chance. Millions who follow the tale see a simple message: small steps to store food properly can protect wild visitors from sudden sugar shocks.

This opossum remains a prime example of how curiosity crosses paths with the human world. Nobody knows if she yearns for a second slice, but for now, the focus stays on full recovery and a healthier, more natural diet.