Opossums

 

All About Opossums …

Opossums, also known as possums, are marsupials native to North America. They belong to the order Didelphimorphia and the family Didelphidae. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the most commonly known and widely distributed opossum species in North America.

Opossums have a distinctive appearance with a pointed snout, sharp teeth, and long, scaly tail. They have thick, grayish-white fur and a pink, prehensile tail that can grasp branches. They have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their hind feet. They are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.

Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are known to be solitary animals. They are also known to be slow-moving and are not known to be good climbers. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available. They are known to play dead as a defense mechanism when threatened, a behavior known as "playing possum."

Opossums are known to be carriers of diseases such as rabies and can also be a nuisance to homeowners by getting into trash cans and gardens. They can also damage property by digging and burrowing holes in lawns and gardens. Opossums are also known to den in attics, crawl spaces, and sheds, which can be a problem if they decide to make it their permanent home.

Opossums are primarily nocturnal animals and are known to be solitary. They are not known to be good climbers and prefer to forage for food on the ground. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. They are also known to be scavengers and will consume carrion.

Opossums are known to use a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are known to den in a variety of structures such as hollow trees, brush piles, and abandoned burrows. They are also known to den in attics, crawl spaces, and sheds, which can be a problem if they decide to make it their permanent home.

Opossums have a unique defense mechanism known as "playing possum" where they will feign death when threatened. They will become stiff and release a strong odor from their anal glands to discourage predators. This behavior can last for several minutes.

Opossums are known to be carriers of diseases such as rabies and can also be a nuisance to homeowners by getting into trash cans and gardens. They can also damage property by digging and burrowing holes in lawns and gardens. Opossums are also known to be carriers of fleas and ticks, which can be a concern for pets and humans.

In terms of social behavior, opossums are generally solitary, but may tolerate other opossums in the same area. Females give birth to litters of up to 13 young, which they carry in a marsupium (pouch) until they are large enough to venture out on their own.