Opossum
Didelphius virginiana
Order: Didelphimordia; Family: Didelphidae
Opossums are the only marsupial in North America. They have a fur-lined pouch, and a prehensile, flesh-colored or whitish tail. The fur is grayish-white. Males average 6 to 7 pounds, up to 14 pounds, while females are smaller. Total lengths range up to 36 inches. Opossums are nocturnal and known for the habit of playing dead when threatened. They are strong climbers and swimmers.
Originally opossums were restricted to the southeast U.S., but spread widely due to human activity after European settlement. They are now found throughout the eastern U.S. and on the west coast. Habitats include deciduous woodlands near water, but they are also suburban pests. Opossums make leaf nests in hollow logs, fallen trees, or abandoned burrows. Home ranges are small from 10 to 200 acres. Opossums are omnivorous, eating nearly any plant, animal, insect, or carrion. Coyotes, fox, raccoons, bobcats, eagles, snakes, hawks, and owls prey on opossums. Most breeding occurs in February and litters have 5 to 13 young, which stay in the pouch for 60 days. Opossums are sexually mature at 6 to 8 months.
Opossum tracks
Opossum prints
Order: Didelphimordia; Family: Didelphidae
Opossums are the only marsupial in North America. They have a fur-lined pouch, and a prehensile, flesh-colored or whitish tail. The fur is grayish-white. Males average 6 to 7 pounds, up to 14 pounds, while females are smaller. Total lengths range up to 36 inches. Opossums are nocturnal and known for the habit of playing dead when threatened. They are strong climbers and swimmers.
Originally opossums were restricted to the southeast U.S., but spread widely due to human activity after European settlement. They are now found throughout the eastern U.S. and on the west coast. Habitats include deciduous woodlands near water, but they are also suburban pests. Opossums make leaf nests in hollow logs, fallen trees, or abandoned burrows. Home ranges are small from 10 to 200 acres. Opossums are omnivorous, eating nearly any plant, animal, insect, or carrion. Coyotes, fox, raccoons, bobcats, eagles, snakes, hawks, and owls prey on opossums. Most breeding occurs in February and litters have 5 to 13 young, which stay in the pouch for 60 days. Opossums are sexually mature at 6 to 8 months.
Opossum tracks
Opossum prints