by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 06, 2009

The opossums that travel different regions of North America are known as the Virginia opossums and are the only marsupial native to the US. There are over 60 species in the opossum family found throughout the world including regions of Central and South America and Mexico. No matter the species, the opossum's features are distinct with pointed snouts, unusual fur, and tails similar to a rat.

The opossum is regarded by many as a rodent, a nuisance pest, and not very attractive. However, this creature has many respectable characteristics that have helped it adapt to changes in its environment. Like the monkey, the opossum can hang from its tail on limbs and their hind feet have thumb-like digits that allow it to climb without complication. Their mouth has 50 sharp teeth, more than any other land mammal found in North America.

The average Virginia opossum weighs from 4 to 9 pounds and can reach 25 inches in length. This species can be found in the wild in many different climates - Canada to South America. This species prefers wooded areas and fields but can survive in most any environment except the open desert. Their reason for adapting to most regions is their ability to forage on most any animal or plant life. The opossum can thrive on grass, mushrooms, insects, and even poisonous snakes as they are immune to rattlesnake venom.

The opossum is generally nocturnal but it is not uncommon to see them venturing out during the daylight hours. They are highly opportunistic animals and will not turn away an easy meal which may include food left on a porch for pets. They will also enjoy fruit fallen from a backyard tree and climb fruit trees to get a tasty and easy meal.

Being a marsupial, the opossum carries their babies in the womb for only 12 1/2 days. The immature babies will then crawl into their mother's pouch to finish their growth cycle. The babies are born completely dependent upon their mother-deaf and blind and approximately the size of a honeybee. They crawl from their mother's womb to a nipple inside their mother's pouch where they attach for approximately the next three months.

After they have become too big for their pouch, they will climb to their mother's back and attach themselves for a free ride. They leave their mother around three months after leaving the pouch. The opossum has a short lifespan of only two years or less due to the many dangers and predators this animals faces on a daily basis.

The owl, fox, wild dogs, and even backyard dogs are all predators of the opossum but the strongest effect on the opossum is humans. Thousands are killed annually by vehicles and in some regions of the US, this animal is hunted as a source of food and for their fur. Opossums are also known to be trapped and killed because they are considered a nuisance. Their natural defenses include razor-like teeth and their ability to play dead or "playing 'possum". This unique creature will fall suddenly and lie still in an attempt to fool predators to back away.

Wild opossums should not be approached as they are not docile animals when trapped. Although the opossum can carry the rabies virus it is extremely rare which could be contributed to the low body temperature of this creature. They are not known to attack and will generally scurry away when approached but because they are slow movers, they may bite to escape. Wildlife rehabilitators agree that opossums should not be taken from the wild and kept as pets. Like with all wildlife, use common sense and never try to pet an opossum, do not feed them, and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center when dealing with an abandoned or injured opossum.

References:

THE WORLD BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE, Grolier, copyright 1999.

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