The opossum, most often just called possum, is one of the most primitive of mammals and the only marsupial in North America. Marsupials are pouched mammals, in which the female does not have a placenta like other mammals but has a nursing pouch instead.
Babies, only two weeks old, incompletely developed and the size of a navy bean, climb from the base of the mother’s tail, through her hair and into the pouch where they attach to a nipple and nurse for 2 months. After that, they leave the pouch and move to the outside world, often traveling on the mother’s back with their tails wrapped around hers.
There are approximately 120 species of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, most of them occurring in South America. Australia has twice as many, with 250 species, with kangaroos and koalas being the most recognizable. Approximately a third of the wild koalas died in the 2019-20 devastating brushfires in Australia, and the population will probably never regain its original numbers.
Other kinds of Australian marsupials include squirrel, mice, cat (Tasmanian devil), rabbit and dog (Tasmanian wolf), which became extinct in 1936. Marsupials actually originated in South America, and today’s ancestors migrated to Australia during the time of the supercontinent Gondwana, 420 million years ago, when the continents were joined.
Possums are much-maligned little animals because they appear to be slow-witted and aren’t pretty. At least not pretty by our standard of what a furry little animal should look like. They are fairly scruffy-looking. But like most animals, they mind their own business and are just trying to get by. My heart goes out to them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Opossums
What is the difference between opossums and possums?
Opossums and possums are distinct animals. Opossums, specifically the Virginia opossum, are found in North and South America, while possums are native to Australia and surrounding areas. Both belong to the marsupial family, but they represent different lineages[1][4].
Are opossums dangerous?
No, opossums are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. They may hiss or show their teeth when threatened, but they rarely attack. If provoked, they might bite in self-defense, similar to other animals[5][6].
Do opossums carry rabies?
Opossums are highly resistant to rabies due to their lower body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive in their systems. As a result, they are among the least likely wild animals to be rabid[1][5].
What do opossums eat?
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet includes fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion. They play a crucial role in controlling pest populations by consuming large numbers of ticks and other unwanted pests[2][4].
How do opossums reproduce?
Opossums are marsupials; after a gestation period of about 12 days, the tiny, underdeveloped young crawl into their mother’s pouch to continue developing. They can have litters ranging from 7 to 25 young, but typically only 8 to 9 survive due to limited nipples[3][4].
Are opossums beneficial for the environment?
Yes, opossums are often referred to as “nature’s little sanitation engineers.” They help control pest populations by eating ticks, cockroaches, and other insects. Their presence can reduce the spread of diseases carried by these pests[6][7].
How long do opossums live?
In the wild, opossums typically live for about 1 to 2 years due to various hazards such as predators and road traffic. However, some can live longer in captivity with proper care[5].
Can you keep an opossum as a pet?
While some people may desire to keep an opossum as a pet, it is generally not advisable. Opossums have specific dietary and environmental needs that can be challenging to meet in a home setting. However, individuals can become rehabilitators and help care for injured or orphaned opossums before releasing them back into the wild[7][8].
What should I do if I see an opossum in my yard?
If you encounter an opossum in your yard, it’s best to leave it alone. They are transient animals that typically move on after a few days. If the animal appears injured or orphaned, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/latest/blogs/12-facts-about-opossums-truly-misunderstood-wild-animals/
[2] https://championsforwildlife.org/opossums/
[3] https://blog.nature.org/2021/05/11/strange-and-surprising-facts-about-opossums/
[4] https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/217/7-Cool-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Opossums
[5] https://www.welcomewildlife.com/virginia-opossum-frequent-questions/
[6] https://opossumsocietyus.org/faq-opossum/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/Opossums/comments/d0nlvu/frequently_asked_questions_about_opossums/
[8] https://www.theopossumpeople.com/faqs-and-tips
For another misunderstood night traveler, read about the skunks of Oklahoma. They eat thousands of ticks and the diseases they carry a season.
