The American opossum is North America’s only native marsupial, which means they have a special pouch to carry babies. These nocturnal critters are solitary scavengers, and play a vital role in their habitat in pest management. Opossums are usually quiet creatures, but make clicking sounds to communicate with mates and their young. Opossums also make … Read more
One of the unique features of opossums is that they have very strong feet that are shaped somewhat similar to a human’s foot. These feet allow opossums to climb and jump very well. While opossums may be small, this feature allows them to get away quickly if they feel threatened. If you’re interested in learning … Read more
There are many things that can be considered threats to opossums. In spite of that, American opossums are in no danger of going extinct or even being put on the endangered list. This article looks at the dangers facing the American opossum, as well as their status in terms of population. Are Opossums Endangered? According … Read more
Why Do Opossums Dig Holes? Opossums dig shallow holes in the dirt because they are searching for food to eat. They mainly eat insects and grubs but they also may be looking for carrion, which is dead animal flesh that is rotting. Opossums will commonly find these items in the ground and feast on them. … Read more
Opossums really are remarkable creatures. They are the only marsupial outside of Australia, have a voracious appetite for ticks and other pests, and demonstrate one of the most fascinating reproduction cycles in the animal kingdom. Because they are marsupials, their babies are born incredibly early and must spend the first few weeks of their life … Read more
The opossum is a frequently misunderstood animal. With their sharp teeth and rat-like appearance, many people are afraid of or disgusted by opossums. The truth is, however, that not only are these little critters not violent, but they are fiercely loyal and excellent for the ecosystem. If threatened, they are great at protecting both themselves … Read more
You may think that with their impressive fangs and massive tails, opossums must be fierce protectors of their territory. However, appearances betray the actual behavior of these clever and misunderstood marsupials. Generally, opossums are not territorial, and they often share home ranges that overlap. Males may become aggressive during the mating season, and females will … Read more
Opossums are the only marsupial native to America and have a diet as unique as they are. They are known as scavengers which means they eat pretty much anything they can get their paws on. The Opossumøs diet includes dead and rotting plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. But it doesn’t stop there – they … Read more
Opossums are a type of small to medium-sized marsupials that are native to the Americas. Not to be confused with Australia’s own native possums of the Phalangeridae suborder, opossums can be found in North, Central, and South America. The most notable is the Virginia opossum (sometimes called the Common opossum) which is the only marsupial … Read more
Opossums have an average lifespan of one to two years in the wild. Their life span is so short because they are generally preyed upon by larger mammals and have many diseases. The predators and large mammals that prey on opossums are not exclusive to wild animals. Humans and domesticated animals like dogs and cats … Read more
