Virginia Opossum
Fast Facts
Common Name: Virginia
Opossum, Opossum
Scientific Name:
Didelphis
virginiana
Family: Didelphidae
Order:
Didelphimorphia
Class:
Mammalia
Range:
North America
What do they look like?
Virginia opossums are the only species of marsupial found in North America. They
have a triangular head with a pointed snout and long whiskers. Opossums have white
faces, while the rest of their body is covered in long grey or black guard hairs
dispersed though a creamy or white undercoat. The ears, feet, and tail are bare. They
have a prehensile tail which allows them to grasp branches as it climbs through trees,
though they don’t hang from their tails. Their front paws have five clawed toes, while
the back feet have four clawed toes and an opposable, clawless hallux, the innermost
toe of the foot. The Virginia opossum has 50 teeth – more than any other North
American land mammal! The only other mammals with more teeth are giant
armadillos and toothed whales.
How do they behave?
Opossums are timid, solitary, and nocturnal. They have poor vision, but an excellent
sense of smell, which they use to locate food. Opossums are infamous for their
reaction to threats. When startled, it is common for them to react by “playing
‘possum.” This is an involuntary reaction in which they roll over, stiffen, drool, and
take slow, shallow breaths. This state can last hours and often fools predators into
thinking the opossum has suddenly died.
What’s on the menu?
Opossums are omnivores. They have a flexible diet and eat a variety of carrion,
insects, plants, and fruits. Urban-dwelling opossums often see pet food and
discarded garbage as an easy meal. At the Zoo, they eat mice, insects, eggs, fruit, and
vegetables.
How are they born?
Virginia opossums can breed throughout most of the year. Less than two weeks after
mating, upwards of 20 bean-sized infants may be born, though litters of 8-9 are most
common. However, females only have 13 teats; if more than 13 young are born, only
those who attach to a teat will have a chance to survive. They will remain in the
mother’s pouch for approximately 3 months. By 4-5 months of age, they will be fully
weaned and on their own. Opossums have an unusually short life span considering
their size and metabolic rate.
Habitat: Grasslands, forests,
Is it an opossum or a possum?
wetlands, and urban areas
“Opossum” is the proper name given to the Virginia opossum found in North
America. The word opossum was first used by John Smith in the early 1600’s. It is
derived from the Algonquian word “wapathemwa” or “apasum” meaning “white
animal.” Possums are arboreal marsupials native to Australia and are named after
Virginia opossums.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in the wild;
2-4 years in captivity
Conservation Status: Stable
What can you do to help?
Opossums get a bad rap due to their sometimes frightening appearance and startling
displays. However, this is no reason to fear them. To discourage opossums and other
wildlife from living too close for comfort, avoid leaving pet food outside or leaving
garage doors, pet doors, and windows open at night. Pick up fruit that falls from
trees, secure garbage containers, and keep yards free of brush piles that may provide
shelter for wild animals.