Opposum (Didelphis virginiana)
Adults: 65-85 cm (with tail), 1-2 kg
Did You Know?
- The opposum is the only marsupial in North America (They raise their new born in stomach pouches just like kangaroos)!
- When scared, opposums remain motionless ("playing possum")
- At birth opposums are the size of a honeybee!
- opposums use their tail like to hang from trees or carry things!
- Northern opposums often get frostbite on their ears or tail!
- The first opposum found in BC was in 1950, a migrant from USA!
Characteristics:
- Adults are cat sized, have long grey hair
- Hairless, strong grasping tail looks like a rat's tail
- True night life, active only after dark
Habitat:
- Woodlands, streams, farming areas
- May be found in urban environments, adaptable to non-native area
- Millions are killed by cars in North America each year
Diet:
- Fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, eggs, insects, carrion
Breeding:
- Litters of up to 13 can survive
- Young spend first 60 days of their life entirely in their mother's pouch
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