Virginia Opossums are 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) long, plus a tail length of 8 to 13 (20 to 33 cm) inches. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or as roadkill. The name was adapted from the Native American Algonquin term â apasum â, which mean white animal. They reach sexual maturity within their first year of life, at about 6 months for females and 8 for males. The Virginia opossum has 13 nipples, so even if it gives birth to 20 âjoeys,â only 13 have a chance at survival. Virginia Opossum on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_opossum, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/40502/0. The young are 1 centimetre (0.4 inches) in length and are born under-developed as with all marsupials. The opossum in the photograph above has lost the end of its tail due to frostbite. The Virginia opossum is a competent climber and swimmer and can reach a running speed of 4.6 mph (7.4 km/h). In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. During this behavior the animal becomes motionless, this may last as little as a minute, or it may The name âopossumâ was used for the first time in western culture in 1608 by Captain John Smith. opossum rabies. But they can show directional turns to avoid being captured when pursued. Thereafter, until weaned and independent, the young either travel in the pouch or cling to the fur of their mother’s back. The Virginia opossum can often be found in wooded areas, though its habitat may vary widely. If caught on the ground and not able to escape, a Virginia opossum may become catatonic. Rare in the north, black-phase individuals are more common in the southern United States and farther south. The Virginia opossum is about the size of a cat. Meet the virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) including their appearance, diet, habitat, range, breeding, facts and behavior. Interesting Facts About the Opossum Opossums, the only naturally occurring marsupial in North America, are incredibly interesting creatures. 6. The female carries and nurses her young in her marsupium until they are about 2 to 3 months old; then they are carried on her back another 1 to 2 months whenever they are away from the den. There are no major threats to this species. The animal lives in a wide range of habitats, including open woods, deciduous forests, and farmland. Transverse plates develop on the roof of the mouth to anchor the young to the nipple. They are important as seed dispersers, redistributing undamaged seeds from the genera Diospyros and Asimina, among others. Its ears, eyes, eye rings, and feet and the basal one-third to one-half of the naked tail are black. Most, if not all, marsupials live in Australia. This play can enable the opossum to escape predation, as most predators do not eat carrion. They seem to prefer holes in the ground dug by other animals, such as woodchucks. In some areas they can be trapped or hunted by humans but the main threat from humans is collision with motor vehicles. The opossum has a long, pointed face with black eyes, long whiskers and a distinctive pink nose. The Virginia opossum lives in regions as far north as Canada and as far south as Central America, while other types of opossums only inhabit countries south of the United States. We see many cases of Metabolic Bone Disease (nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism) in opossums that have been fed poor diets. Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have a wide range throughout Central and North American, which continues to expand.Currently, Virginia opossums can be found from Costa Rica to southern Ontario, Canada. Benjamin Harrison had two pet opossums named Mr. The Virginia opossum lives in regions as far north as Canada and as far south as Central America, while other types of opossums only inhabit countries south of the United States. It is not a matter of IF the opossum will become ill, it is a matter of when!. They measure 13â37 in (35â94 cm) long from their snout to the base of the tail, with the tail adding another 8.5â19 in (21.6â47 cm). Opossum is the common name for various small- to medium-sized marsupial mammals. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. These marsupials are great climbers. Teeth. They donât hibernate but do reduce activity during the coldest seasons. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs). I have listed my Top 7 Opossum facts about ⦠The common opossum is found in Central America and the northern South America. VIRGINIA OPOSSUM FACTS Description The Virginia Opossum has a long head and pointed snout, with long whiskers. Lifespan. Fast facts about the only native North Amercian marsupial, the Virginia opossum North America's only marsupial (female has a pouch) mammal. …gestation is that of the Virginian opossum, about 12 days, and the longest that of the Indian elephant,...…, Marsupial, any of more than 250 species belonging to the infraclass Metatheria (sometimes...…. Virginia opossums can walk on all fours along a branch, and then sit up and support themselves on their hindquarters. Opossum Waleed-July 10, 2018 0 The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North Americaâs only marsupial. References Allen, C., R. Marchinton, W. MacLentz. Two litters per year are normal, but in colder northern regions the young from the second litter rarely survive the winter. If the mouth is not carefully detached from the nipple before the young can open its mouth on its own, the skin of the nipple may be torn and bleed—hence the notion that the mouth and nipple had grown together. Most reproductive females are under a year of age, and few live long enough to breed a second year. Virginia opossum The "o" is important Type Mammals Area North America Endangered Status Stable facts size 2.5 feet in length, from nose to tail An average soccer ball is 8.65 inches tall. Opossum Facts. Opossums have been moving north in ⦠They like cover and places to hide. The opossum (order Didelphimorphia) is the only marsupial found in the Americas. 1-5 Opossum Facts 1. The life span of Virginia opossums is short. The body is shaped like a large cat and has a long pointed tail with a scaly appearance. Size Approximately 609 to 914 mm (24 to 36 inches) Weight 2.7 to 5.9 kg (6 to 13 lbs.) Viper venom the Central number 13. â Source 7 east and South of North Americaâs marsupial! 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ItâS late autumn/early winter, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica a tail measuring at 8.5â19 inches to about to... Are absent from the second litter rarely survive the winter opossum and opossum... But the main threat from humans is collision with motor vehicles able to escape from.! The Plains and arid southwest of the ears usually are white in northern populations and black in Mexico Central. A few minutes or up to four years ⦠the opossum is found in North America the total number can.
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