Opossums vs. Raccoons: The Fascinating Differences and Similarities Between These Two Species

There are times when raccoons and opossums are confused with one another. When this happens, it’s probably because of the slight similarities in their color or their scavenging behaviors at night.  If you’re one of those who get confused between these two, stay with us here in Floofmania as we show you the similarities and …

Read more

How to Attract Opossums? (And Why You Might Not Want To)

Opossums may not be the cutest animals you’ll encounter. Many people actually regard them as ugly and dirty. However, contrary to how people perceive them, opossums are clean animals that are extremely beneficial to have in the backyard. If you’re interested in further understanding this cute creature and reaping the benefits of having one live …

Read more

Opossums In The Winter (Do They Hibernate?)

Opossums originated from Central and South America and made their way to the United States some 800,000 years ago. With their thin coats and hairless ears, tails, and feet, the little marsupials are much more suited to their original hotter environments, not snowy winters! Despite that, the species has been found more and more frequently …

Read more

Opossum Poop (What Does It Look And Smell Like?)

There are several species of opossums in the Americas, but the United States and Canada are home only to the Virginia opossum (scientific name Didelphis virginiana), sometimes called the North American Opossum.  Confusingly, they are commonly referred to as “possums,” which also happens to be the name of a completely different animal that lives in …

Read more

The Opossum’s Den (and What It Looks Like)

Opossum with its mouth open and teeth showing whily lying in a bed of hay.

At first glance, an opossum may look like a cat-sized mouse with its pointed snout and hairless tail. Encountering one is startling, especially when it bares its tiny sharp teeth, hissing its heart out. Some people react with disgust at their appearance, thinking they are similar to rats, or worse! Opossums are found all over …

Read more

Muskrat VS Opossums (A Comparison)

Arguably two of the most underrated creatures roaming around North America, muskrats and opossums are often mistaken for one another. So what’s the difference? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Though they may look somewhat similar, muskrats and opossums have very different characteristics that set them apart. In this post, we’ll take a closer …

Read more

Are Opossums Dangerous? (To People Or Pets)

The poor opossum (Didelphidae), or just plainly “possum”, is one of the most misunderstood animals out there. Opossums are often accused of committing violent acts like preying upon domestic birds and attacking chicken coops, as well as transmitting dangerous diseases to people and pets alike. Is there any truth to these accusations? Are opossums really …

Read more

Are Opossums Smelly? (Questions Answered)

Opossums, which include almost 100 species under the order of Didelphimorphia, are not the most loved animals around. They have a less-than-stellar reputation, primarily thanks to their rat-like appearance. Opossums are often misunderstood and viewed as dimwitted, dirty pests whose most impressive party trick is to play dead. Is that all there is to them, …

Read more

Opossums and Their Sleeping Behavior

Virginia Opossums are nocturnal marsupials local to the North American region (not to be confused with possums from Australia). These animals are roughly the size of small dogs and carry their children in a fleshy pouch.  There are many interesting facts about opossums. For one thing, how do they sleep? Do they really sleep hanging …

Read more

Opossum Climbing and Jumping? (Your Questions Answered)

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

Threats To Opossums (Are They Going Extinct?)

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

Opossum Reproduction, Pouches, and Babies (Explained)

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

How Do Opossums Protect Themselves And Their Young?

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

Are Opossums Territorial? (Your Questions Answered)

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

What Do Opossums Eat? (A Bit of Everything!)

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

An Opossum’s Lifespan – How Old Do Opossums Get?

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