Virginia Opossum - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

ORDER: Didelphimorphia (Opossums)
FAMILY: Didelphidae (Opossums)
SPECIES: Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Opossums are a member of the order Marsupialia, a primitive group of mammals found most commonly in Australia. - The Virginia opossum is the only opossum (marsupial) native to North America. - They are a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat. - The name "opossum" is derived from an Algonquian Indian word "apasum", meaning white animal. - They are also known as Opossums or Possum. -
SIZE	The Virginia Opossum is the largest member of its genus, family and order and is the largest of the opossums. They are typically 15–20 inches (38–51 cm) long and 9-13 pounds (4–6 kg) in weight.
DESCRIPTION	Their coat is a dull gray-brown, other than on their face, which is white. Opossums have long, hairless, prehensile tails, which can be used to grab branches and carry small objects. They also have hairless ears and a long, flat nose. The opossum's skull has 50 teeth, the highest number found in any mammal. Sexual Dimorphism: Males have larger canine teeth and are slightly larger and much heavier than females.
DEN	An opossum will den nearly anywhere that is dry, sheltered and safe, such as the abandoned dens of other animals, hollow trees and logs and brush piles. A nest of leaves and grass is usually made at the den site.
MATING	A female opossum usually has two litters per year. Mating occurs in mid-January through February and continues into August. Opossums are born after an 11-13 day gestation period. The tiny infants are so small at birth that 20 could fit into a teaspoon. Infant opossums stay inside the mother's pouch to nurse and develop. As they grow and the pouch becomes full, the juveniles then ride on the mother's back until they are old enough to go out on their own.
BEHAVIOR	The Virginia Opossum is noted for its reaction to threats, which is to feign death. This is the genesis of the term "playing possum", which is used to describe an attempt to pretend to be dead or injured with intent to deceive. In the case of the opossum, the reaction seems to be quite involuntary and to be triggered by extreme fear.
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE	The Virginia Opossum is found throughout North America from coast to coast and portions of Canada and Mexico.
HABITAT	Opossums and raccoons share similar habitat requirements and both species use similar areas in a similar manner. Good opossum habitat includes a combination of large trees and shrub thickets, abundant water and crop fields.
DIET	Opossums are omnivorous and eat a wide range of plants and animals such as fruits, insects, and other small animals. The opossum helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.


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Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Dryden Township Tompkins County, New York


VaOpsm-234_006976	VaOpsm-234_006978