Opossums:
The opossum is a medium-sized animal with a
heavy-set body that resembles a large house cat. They have long
heads with a pointed snout, long, course body fur, and essentially
naked long scaly tail. Females have a fur-lined pouch to carry their
young. Front feet have 5 toes; back feet have 4 toes and what looks
like a long thumb. The tail and feet are adept at grasping. Their
body color ranges predominately in the grayish-white hues, with
black tipping. The tail is black about halfway up, and then turns
yellowish-white to pink. Their lifespan is only about 2 years in the
wild.
Opossums are nocturnal. Occasionally they may be seen early evening,
prior to sunset. They are somewhat nomadic, with several different
favorite dens within their territory. They prefer wooded areas near
a water source. Upon maturity, they tend to become solitary.
Opossums do not hibernate, but may "hole up" for a few days during
bad winter weather.
When frightened, they may expose their 50 sharp teeth, drool
excessively and growl or hiss. They can emit a stinky secretion or
may play dead. They prefer running to fighting.
These shy, nocturnal marsupials with feet like human hands, tissue
paper thin ears, prehensile tails and the most intimidating smile in
the universe are determined to survive.
Geographic Range
The opossum is found only in North America, Mexico and Central
America.
Food Preferences
Omnivorous - eats almost anything. Opossums are scavengers and
prefer animal matter - mostly already dead rabbits, squirrels,
raccoons, skinks, mice, moles, other opossums, birds, eggs, insects,
reptiles and amphibians, fruits and grains in season.
Enemies
Humans, automobiles, dogs, foxes, coyotes, horned owls, mites,
ticks, fleas, various parasitic worms, some fungal bacterial and
virus infections.
