WildlifeControl

Opossum (better known as possum) is the largest order of marsupials. Marsupials are mammals with a pouch that females carry their young in through early infancy.

Opossums are primarily nocturnal, although occassionally you may see them during the day. They are a solitary and nomadic animal. Their biology, flexible diet and reproductive strategy have made them successful colonizers and survivors.

They are usually 2 to 3 feet in length and weigh from 10 to 20 pounds. They have long snouts and narrow braincases. They also have more teeth than any other land mammal.

Did You Know?

When Opossums are threatened, they "Play Possum". They mimick the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal: lips drawn back, teeth bared, saliva foams around mouth and foul smelling fluids are secreted.

Opossums have remarkably robust immune systems. They show partial or total immunity to the venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and other pit vipers. They are also 8 times less likely to carry rabies than dogs; about 1 in 800 opossums are infected with rabies.

The Opossums diet consists mainly of dead animals. Due to them seeking food on highways, the main cause of opossums death is automobile accidents. They also eat insects, frogs, birds, snakes and earthworms. Their favorite food is fruits, especially apples and persimmons.

A female opossum will give birth to around 20 young that will migrate from the birth canal to the pouch, however only a maximum of 13 will survive, as they must latch onto a teat to survive. They will live in her pouch for approximately 2 months, then move to her back to learn how to fend for themselves.

The lifespan of an average opossum is 2 to 4 years.

Opossums like to live in low lying areas, such as crawl spaces.