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Opossums

While there are more than 60 different species of possum, the opossum holds the distinction of being North America's only marsupial. The Virginia opossum, or common opossum, is the only marsupial found in the United States and Canada. So what are you waiting for? Enter this category and find out more about the differences an O can make!

374 Questions

How big is an opossum that lives in the US?

Virginia opossums - weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg).They are one of the world's most variably sized mammals.

Is it legal in Florida to kill an opossum?

not unless you want to get scratched up and bitten

How long does opossum live for?

The common opossum has a life span of about 2 years. With some species living up to 4 years.

Do opossums live in trees?

They do indeed climb, and live, in trees. However, an adult possum lacks the tail strength to hang from its' tail, as reported by some. The young may accomplish this feat for a few seconds, due to a smaller body mass, but to hang upside down and pretend to be batman, it just ain't gonna happen. They do make a resounding "THUD" when they lose their grip, or just fall asleep, and fall out of a tree, almost always landing on their back. This would put you and me in traction, however a possum doesn't seem to worried about it. At least at the moment of impact. Of course the possibility exists they are playing the macho act, and then later go to the possum ER for a workup.

Are opossums dangerous to dogs?

The short answer is NO! However, if we have a very tiny dog which has been injured and is incapable of defence or movement, then an opossum MAY consider it as food. The same MIGHT be true for very young puppies that have been abandoned or lost their mother. Opossums are very opportunistic feeders, and very cautious. While their diet consists of nearly everything, they are not usually hunters. That said, they will often eat small fare such as mice, young birds, frogs, salamanders, crayfish etc. when availanble. They may also eat chickens if they can get into the coop. Opossums are very interesting and largely harmless animals and should not be killed needlessly. Watch and enjoy them.

Do raccoons and opossums get along?

The raccoon has a varied diet which consists of insects, plants and other animals. While the raccoon would eat an opossum, it is more likely to opt for an easier meal. The raccoon typically prefers to scavenge.

Can you keep an opossum as a pet?

No, you cannot. Their instincts are stronger than human ability to domesticate. You can nurse one until it is able to survive on it's own, but I wouldn't suggest trying to keep one much longer.

Why is the Virginia opossum considered a generalist and the koala is considered a specialist?

The koala is considered a "specialist" because it can only survive within a very specialised environment, specifically where there are certain species of eucalyptus trees. The koala has a limited diet, feeding on the leaves of those trees alone. This is what makes it a specialist.

The Virginia opossum is considered a generalist because it is able to survive in a variety of environments. It is not limited to a single food source or a single type of environment. It feeds on a variety of fruits, insects, plants, and small vertebrates. As it can easily find food almost anywhere in its environment, this is what makes it a generalist.

Why can't a venomous snake kill a possum?

Opossums apparently have an immunity to snake venom.

When do opossums get their teeth?

The type of teeth a possum has depends upon the species. To begin with, possums are not opossums, and vice versa. They are completely different animals.

Most possums have quite strong teeth, flat like the teeth of herbivores and fructivores. Like other members of the order diprotodontia, they have grinding teeth and canine teeth.

The honey possum, on the other hand, has one pair of sharp, pointed lower incisors, while both upper and lower jaws contain just rudimentary teeth which are similar to the canies and grinding teeth of other non-dasyurid marsupials.

Can an opossum mate with a wild cat?

Possums reproduce in late winter, through to the summer months.

What is the average brain size of an opossum?

Full-grown oppossum's are generally the size of the domestic house cat. They are about 2.5 feet long (nose to tail) and weight anywhere from 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4-6kg, about 76cm long).

When baby oppossums are born, they are about 0.6 in long (14mm), and weigh next to nothing!

Can an opossum give off a foul odor?

Since possums are generally careless when it comes to eating, They often eat dead things, garbage, and pretty much anything a dirty scavenger would do. Yes they have an unclean musky smell.

Is an opossum an omnivore or herbivore?

An opossum is an omnivore, meaning it has a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They eat fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, and carrion. This adaptability in their diet helps them thrive in various environments.

Where do opossums live in New Mexico?

Opossums are found only in North America. Many people confuse opossums with possums.

Possums are different to opossums, and not even closely related at all.

  • Possums belong to the family Phalangeridae and order Marsupialia, while opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia, although they are also marsupials.

Therefore:

  • True opossums are found only in North America, although there is a "water possum", also known as the yapok, which is found in central and South America.
  • Possums are found in New Guinea, Australia (including Tasmania), Sulawesi (Indonesia) and a few other small islands in the Pacific region. Although not native to New Zealand, the brush-tailed possum was introduced into that country over a century ago and has subsequently become a pest.

How do opossums see?

With their eyes. ;) But their eye sight isn't very good.

Why are opossums slow?

They're usually quite slow, though they can be fast when they want to.

What color is an opossum?

Possums (which are different to opossums) vary in colour from white (very rare) to grey and shades of brown.

Some varieties have a russet shade. The Western Pygmy Possum is a bright cinnamon colour.

What is an opossums adaptations to survive in it's wild habitat?

opossums have 50 teeth for self defense and "play dead" when attacked.

Why is a monotreme different from placental mammals and marsupial mammals?

Eutherians, or placental mammals nurse their young in a womb. Protherians like platypus lay eggs and do not have teats but ooze milk through the skin. Marsupials only nurse the young in the body for a very short time before they are born. The progeny live in a pouch suckling for months after birth until old enough to emerge.

Can a possum attack a human?

Opossums generally do not attack humans, unless they feel threatened or bothered.

Is an opossum predator or prey?

Both. They are hunted by bears, hawks, and such animals as that. But they also prey on mice and smaller animals like that. Why else would they have sharp teeth?(:

What hunts the opossum?

A few animals will eat a possum such as foxes, coyotes, cats, and dogs. Vultures, ants and flies may eat possums after they die.
Killed by humans usually. Some animal are dogs,owls, and larger wildlife . like

  • few bears
  • ferrets
  • cougars
  • wolves
  • coyotes
  • fox
  • weasels
  • fishers
  • minks
  • wolverines
  • cats ( opossum carrion )
  • badgers
  • eagles and hawks