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Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
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Other Common Names
Virginia Opossum
Habitat
This traditionally southern mammal is expanding its range north. It lives in open woodlands and forest edges, with a preference for habitat with streams, diverse plants, and many den sites such as hollow logs, and it tolerates suburban and urban areas.
Diet
An omnivore, the opossum eats fruits, worms, insects, eggs, and anything edible.
Distinctive Characteristics
This two foot long marsupial, about the size of a housecat, has white fur with longer gray hairs, a long, scaly prehensile tail, a long snout with 50 teeth, and ears that often show signs of frostbite. When cornered, the opossum falls into a deathlike state (playing ‘possum). Opossum are known to be immune to snake venom and rarely get rabies.
Nocturnal/Diurnal
Mostly nocturnal.
Reproduction & Family Structure
Mates in late winter, and seven to nine young are born in March, spending the first two months in mom’s pouch. Opossum are the only marsupial in the United States.