VIRGINIA OPOSSUM

(Didelphis marsupialis)

IDENTIFICATION:  Head and body is 15 to 20 inches (38 – 51cm) long, with a tail that measures between 9 - 20 inches (23 – 51cm).  Opossums have a white face, black paper-thin ears, often tipped in white, and a pointed nose.  Their tail is rat-like, and curved at its white end.  In the south, opossums are gray to nearly black.

REPRODUCTION:  Young opossums are tiny at birth; the entire litter of 14 or so can fit into a teaspoon!  Opossums are marsupials (the only marsupials in North America), and therefore spend the early parts of their lives in their mother’s pouch.  After that time, the young opossum may travel on their mother’s back with tails grasping hers.

DIET:  Opossums eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, eggs, insects, and

   carrion.

HABITS:  Opossums are usually active only at night, and have a dull orange eyeshine.  When cornered, opossums are known for feigning death, or “playing ‘possum.”