Scientific Name: Philander andersoni. However, the population inhabiting Sapelo Island is thought to have longer lifespan because they donât have any natural predators. Virginia opossums have a fairly short lifespan; wild individuals typically only survive about 1.5 to 2 years. Life Cycle. Even venomous snakes are on the menu! The body is shaped like a large cat and has a long pointed tail with a scaly appearance. The average Virginia Opossum is about 2 feet in length weighing around 8 pounds; female opossums are smaller than males, with male opossums ranging 12 to 15 pounds. [23] Even in captivity, opossums live only about four years. Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana Kerr 1792. collect. The Virginia opossum has a maximal lifespan in the wild of only about two years. What is the opossum life span. Females in warmer climates may have three litters per year after a gestation period of 12 to 13 days. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. But the reality is that most of us are masters at avoiding confrontation. LIFE SPAN: 2.3 years. It is a successful opportunist. In the United States the Virginia Opossum is referred to as possum. The Virginia opossums are found in the United States and Canada, while relatives representing seventy species of the Didelphidae family live in Central and South America. They prefer the wet kind but will crunch kibble when this is all eaten. On the left, raccoon tracks, front and back paws, on the right opossum tracks. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America, with its ancient ancestors migrating north from South America when our two continents joined at Panama. Wikipedia article on Virginia Opossum. Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) A female Virginia opossum with her joeys. Note how the hind tracks overlap the front tracks. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat. If the animal is moving slowly a tail drag mark may be noticeable, but an opossum typical holds its tail off the ground when walking. The adult have a strong tail and used for grip The males will deeply growl and they can raised the growl volume as the danger wonât back off. 671 Sample size Medium Data quality Acceptable Observations. I've only seen them eat catfood though. All Time Today Last Week Last Month. Anatomy The Virginia opossum is the largest species of the Didelphidae family. Virginia Opossums have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 6 years captivity. Each litter has four to 25 young that are about 0.5 inches (14 millimeters) long when born. The Virginia opossumâs long muzzle allows its keen sense of smell to detect all sorts of omnivorous delicacies including a wide range of plants, fruits, insects, and other small animals. Virginia Opossum. I am guilty of this myself. An opossumâs front and rear tracks are usually close together, with the rear track falling on top of or just behind the front track. The life cycle of S. neurona is well described. The Wildlife Center is sad to announce the loss of Delphine the Virginia Opossum on March 5, 2018. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Opossum lifespan. Category: Opossum. Well, today, weâre going to be taking particular aim at that particular battle between the raccoon brethren and the possums. Common Name: Virginia Opossum Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana A group of them is called: A passel We just call them: "Clair", "Milo" and "Stella" Size: 34 â 95 cm (length) Weight: .3 â 6.4 kg Lifespan: ~ 2 years (wild), 4 years (captivity) Diet: Omnivore. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. This is actually the only marsupial, meaning pouched animal that is found in Canada and the United States. The opossum especially for Virginia opossum only live for only two years. Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a navy bean. A female opossum may have 1-3 litters per year. Individuals are known to live for 60 months. The Virginia Opossum has a long head and pointed snout, with long whiskers. Click to expand. For example, in my new novel, Bridgers 3, one of the bridgers is being warned not to try something (I can't give away too many details), because trying this thing will "steal away your youthâs vigor like possums steal eggs." Opossums have sharp claws that help them dig into the bark of trees while climbing. The potential for zoonotic disease makes them a poor choice for those looking for an animal that can be touched by the public. Introduction. They have also been observed near roadkill, a hazardous food source as cars barrel down on them. Early in life, young opossums have a very high mortality rate. The Opossums are said to be Omnivorous, like us, racoons and bears. Virginia opossums have a fairly lifespan. Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a bean. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. During the mating season, the male attracts the female by making clicking sounds with his mouth. The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial, and the only marsupial found north of Mexico. Its muzzle is long and pointed, and in its mouth are 50 teeth; more than any other land animal in North America. MORE IN OPOSSUM CATEGORY. A Virginia opossum female may have as many as 25 babies, but she usually has 7-8. They have long, skinny tails that average about 12 inches long. The Virginia opossum is a misunderstood animal. On average, Virginia opossums have two litters per year, but this varies depending on their specific location. What Eats Possums? Patsy was born the runt in a litter of nine and was rejected by her mother. In the wild, these animals do not live more than 2 or 3 years. This lovely photo was taken by Cody Pope and made available on Wikimedia. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, ... Life span. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. Compared to other mammals, including most other marsupials except dasyuromorphians, opossums have unusually short lifespans for their size and metabolic rate. They generally grow to be cat-sized, and can be bigger or smaller depending on the region. New Yorkers have a reputation for being brash and outspoken. They are found in The Neotropics and The Nearctic. Mouse. They also have a long gripping tail which they use as an additional limb during climbing. â What Eats Opossum? This species has a long breeding season, however, the exact months of the breeding season varies based on an individualâs location. They have a short life span, only a couple of years in the wild, maybe 4 in captivity. Virginia opossum Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits Maximum longevity 6.6 years (captivity) Source ref. They have a very short lifespan, typically only surviving a year in the wild. This type of opossum also imbibes in carrion and garbage. Admitted as a fully-grown adult in the spring of 2016, we know that she was at least three years in age at the time of her death, nearly twice the average lifespan for her species in the wild. Size Total length: 35cm - 94cm (average 74cm). Like most marsupials the female Virginia Opossum has a pouch which is lined with fur where the young develop. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Virginia opossums are mostly gray with a white face, black ears and pink nose. Opossum vs Possum â Pictures. Many of these altricial young never arrive in their mothers pouch, afterward; about 60% of those who do reach the pouch will perish once they are weaned. Our opossum can be found throughout the United States. Let me begin by clarifying⦠There is no such thing as a domesticated opossum. The Virginia opossum is unusual in that it has a clawless, opposable âthumbâ on each of its rear feet. Wild opossums have a relatively short lifespan of approximately 1.5-2 years. Common Name: Anderson's Four-eyed Opossum. [15] [22] The Virginia opossum has a maximal lifespan in the wild of only about two years. Some families will group together in ready-made burrows or even under houses. If a possum encounters a predator, it falls over and enters a near-catatonic state, even emitting a strong odor. overview; data; media; articles; maps; names ; 2010 Bill Stagnaro cc-by-sa-3.0 Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum) is a species of mammals in the family Didelphidae. The opossum has been proven not to be the definitive host of the disease. Opossums are good climbers. Some babies ⦠Clair, Milo and Stella all came to us from different circumstances. There are actually 60 species of opossums, with the common opossum or Virginia opossum being the most common. Then, loosely close the opening with netting, straw or other fibrous material. Family: Didelphidae. It tends to be the brunt of jokes and is used in derogatory statements. The fur is pale grey with white cheeks. They can live no more than 2 to 4 years largely because they havenât developed a special defense against potential predators. Discover How Long Virginia opossum Lives. As any daily commuter will tell you, something truly absurd has to happen in our vicinity to muster much of a reaction. While the babies are making a sound like a rattlesnal to drive away their predators. The Virginia opossum has a thick body, short legs and a long prehensile tail that it uses to grasp and carry small objects â it can even briefly hang by its tail. 3. The breeding season for the Virginia opossum can begin as early as December and continue through October with most infants born between the months of February and June. While they can be an interesting addition to an ambassador collection, keep in mind that they have a short life span (2-4 years in human care), and some individuals may have a propensity to bite. Life Cycle. Virginia opossums are ready to begin breeding within the first year of their life, around 6 months for females and 8 months for males, but typically do not begin breeding until 10 months of age. Tail length: 22cm - 47cm. Both male and female opossums become sexually mature within their first year of life. Compared to other mammals, including most other marsupials except dasyuromorphians, opossums have unusually short lifespans for their size and metabolic rate. In a small study of opossums in Oregon: On their first ⦠The babies climb up the mother's fur and into her pouch where they find a teat. 6, 11, 21, 29: Body weight: Adult female: 1.9-2.1 kg 11, 29: Adult male: 2.1-5 kg 11, 29: Cloacal body temperature: 32.2-35°C (90-95°F) 11, 31. A Virginia opossum female may have as many as 25 babies, but she usually will have between seven to eight. Life span Virginia opossum in northeastern Ohio. They are very docile. One animal has been known to live 6.6 years in captivity . Agile gracile oposs... Bare-tailed Woolly ... Black-eared Opossum. In order to complete its life cycle, this parasite needs two hosts, a definitive and an intermediate. Natural History Information Range and Habitat. CLAIR, MILO & STELLA'S STORY. Females carry their young in a fur-lined pouch. As a marsupial creature, their lifespan is short, which is uncommon. Adult size varies based on population location. Captive opossums normally live between 3-4 years, however up to 8-10 years has been described. The largest individuals are found in the northern part of range and weigh from 5-15 pounds and are 12-36 inches long (plus the 12-inch tail). In the laboratory, raccoons, cats, armadillos, skunks, and sea otters have been shown to be intermediate hosts. It is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is a marsupial found in North America. Virginia Opossums are a dull gray-brown with the exception of their faces which are white. They are solitary, nocturnal omnivores. The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. Virginia opossum tracks in snow. 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