OPOSSUM
Didelphis virginiana
The Virginia opossum, Did elp his virginiana, is the only marsupial
(pouched animal) native to North America. The opossum is not a native
species to Vermont, but a population has become established here. The
opossum is mostly active at night, being what is referred to as ‘nocturnal.’
They are very good climbers and capable swimmers. These two skills help
the opossum avoid predators. It is well known for faking death (also called
‘playing possum’) as another means of outwitting its enemies. The
opossum adapts to a wide variety of habitats which has led to its
widespread distribution throughout the United States.
Vermont Wildlife Fact Sheet
Physical Description
The fur of the Virginia
opossum is grayish white in
color and covers the whole
body except the ears and tail.
They are about the size of a
large house cat, weighing
between 9 and 13 pounds and
having a body length of 24 to
40 inches. The opossum has a
prehensile tail, one which is
adapted for grasping and
hanging.
Life Cycle
Opossums breed in late
January to early July. The
young
are
born
from
February through July. The
young spend 60 days in the
female’s pouch. The litter size
varies from 5 to 13 young,
with the average being 8.
Opossums breed every other
year, having one litter every
two years. Opossums reach
the age of sexual maturity at 6
to 7 months.
Food Items
The opossum is an
insectivore and an omnivore.
This means they have a
varied diet of insects, worms,
fruits, nuts, and carrion (dead
animals). They will also prey
on small rodents, voles,
shrews, and moles. Opossums
will feed at compost piles,
garbage cans, and bird
feeders as well.
areas near water sources.
They have become very
common in urban, suburban,
and farming areas. The
opossum is a wanderer and
does not stick to a specific
territory. The opossum uses
abandoned burrows, tree
cavities, hollow logs, attics,
garages,
or
building
foundations.
Habitat
The opossum inhabits a
wide variety of habitats. They
naturally
prefer
wooded
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
FW 1/2009
Opossum Fact Sheet ♦