> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). 35-94 cm The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Facts about possums often include claims that they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures. The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Contrary to popular belief, only juvenile opossums are light enough to use their tails to hang upside down. Opossums belong to the Didelphidae family (New World Opossums). >> The young are about the size of a bee when they are born. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Baby opossums, called joeys, are only about the size of a honeybee when they are born. The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) measures 33 – 50 centimetres (13 – 20 inches) in length and weighs around 2 – 5.5 kilograms (4.5 – 12 pounds). They will utilize just about any sheltered location for a den including hollows in trees and fallen logs, rock cavities, brush piles, and the burrows of other animals. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. The average litter size is between six and nine babies. Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). Their underfur is usually whitish and tipped in black, but their coloration varies throughout their range. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and w… 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. Virginia opossums are famous for entering a defensive catatonic state, commonly known as “going opossum”. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. Sunday 12PM – 4PM 770.992.2055
They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. Virginia opossums are mainly recognized by their grayish black hair. It has short legs and an opposable big toe which is clawless. Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. 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. These animals, around the size of a small cat, have 50 teeth. Size Opossums are about the size of small dogs. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 – 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), also known as possum, is both a benefit and a nuisance to landowners. [3] ... "Didelphia" is Greek, meaning "two wombs," and "Virginiana" is modern Latin meaning "of Virginia," the state where opossums were first discovered. Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are 2 to 3.5 feet long (nose to tail), approximately the size of a housecat, and weigh 4 to 14 lbs. Reverts to original layout including graphics and images, Dr. Katherine Edwards,Wildlife Management Specialist. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). Eventually as they ride about on the mother’s back they begin to fall off and are then left to fend for themselves. Opossums pose little threat to humans, their property or pets. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! This tale came about because of the unusual bifurcated (forked) penis of the male opossum. The Virginia or American opossum, sometimes referred to as the possum, is the only marsupial that lives wild in the United States. Basic Anatomy: The purpose of these pages is to show miscellaneous pictures of opossum anatomy as well as some their medical issues. Virginia opossums are about the size of a house cat. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial. Like Australia possums, Virginia opossums have long tail—reaching the length of its body. They crawl along a pathway licked by the mother from the genital opening to the pouch and then attach themselves to one of the teats, which usually average 13 in number. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Breeding season brings on two major consequences. Opossums sometimes take shelter in attics and garages with openings for easy entrance. They have five toes on each foot, the “big toe” on the hind foot lacks a claw but is an opposable thumb, and a pouch for young develops during breeding season on the female. The opossum's nose or muzzle is long, pointed, and rather flat, and its ears are thin and hairless The prehensile tail of the Virginia opossum is long, scaly, and completely almost completely hairless. Females have a furlined pouch on their abdomen into which these tiny, under-developed young crawl. Gestation is 12.5-13 days. Description of the Opossum. While not particularly large by today's standards, it was a giant compared to the mostly shrew- … Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a navy bean. Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana Common Name(s): Virginia Opossum, Possum Identification: Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Opossums that young can be very difficult to keep alive, but I know a number of rehabbers who have been very successful raising pinkies. The opossum is usually about the size of a large cat, with an adult weighing in around 4-6 kegs (8.8-13.2 lbs) and are usually around 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) in length from nose to tail. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Litters are produced in two peak periods: January-March and May-July. omnivore. A modified diet can include pet food, garbage, and compost piles. Opossums remain in the mother's pouch until they are two months old. They have coarse, greyish fur, whitish faces with long, pointed snouts, naked, round ears, and beady eyes. The hind legs also do not have claws. Although there is some disagreement regarding sexual dimorphism, adult male Virginia opossums tend to be slightly larger than adult females. A natural diet includes berries, plants, grains and nuts, insects, birds, small mammals, and carrion. in length, from nose to tail An average soccer ball is 8.65 inches tall. A marsupial is an animal with a pouch. The Virginia opossum is about the size of a large house cat. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Skull Pictures: Dorsal Mandible Lateral Posterior Mandible Ventral. Then again, Captain Cook used the term opossum way back in 1770 in Australia. The opossum is found throughout most of the eastern United States and has expanded its range to the north and to the west. The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. >> Is it Opossum or just plain Possum? However, the Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States, the vast majority of recorded rabies cases come from the bite of 4 animals - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. A joey will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. 2, 5, 29, 30. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. Informally, most folks just call them ‘possums. Check to see if the opossum's eyes have opened. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Scientific Name of the Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana. Opossums are about the size of small dogs. Opossums are omnivorous. Reproduction: In California, the Virginia opossum mates in January-February and June-July. Litter size in California averaged 7.2 (Reynolds 1952). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. There are around 60 species of Opossums, most are the size of a domestic cat or smaller. Opossums are covered with long grey to black … (4 to 6 kilograms), according to National Geographic . Denning sites are changed frequently. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 12000 Government Center Pkwy What is a possum? The common opossum, also known as the Virginia opossum, is a somewhat maligned but fascinating creature. Well, technically these American animals are opossums. At birth each newborn opossum is about the size of a honeybee, 14 mm (0.6 in) in length, weighs 0.16 g (0.0056 oz), and is pink to translucent in color. Opossums inhabit open meadows and grasslands, wooded areas near streams or ponds, suburban and urban areas of Fairfax County. The young are largely undeveloped at birth except for their mouth and front legs. [2] We have our opossum, a living piece of the Cretaceous. One is the belief that the male opossum breeds the female through her nose and then she sneezes the young into the pouch! Seventeen studies (Gardner 1982) reported litter sizes ranging from 6.3-10.0. Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Disclaimer. opossum rabies. Monday – Saturday 10AM – 4PM It has grayish fur everywhere but on its ears, feet, and tail. Virginia opossums have robust bodies and short legs with sharp claws. These marsupials are great climbers. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother's milk, if you are observing it in the wild. It is very and is an extremely adaptable animal, often living in very close proximity to man. Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. General Admission The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. Didelphis virginiana - Virginia opossum. Adult males are bigger than females. They roam around at night in search of food: insects (even cockroaches! The Virginia opossum is about the size of a cat. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. The Virginia Opossum is an omnivore (eating both plants and animals). This act often makes the attacker lose interest in the opossum. (ZooKeys / T.E. An opossum is about the size of a house cat.It has grizzled white and gray fur. It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds. Learn its characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, benefits and uses, and damage and control techniques. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. Opossum skeleton. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. ), snails, mice, rats, plants, small lizards and snakes. In captivity however they can live up to 4 years. On Farms. This trait is true of all marsupials. Read on to learn about the opossum. One of the coolest common opossum facts is that newborn opossum babies are only about the size of a raisin! Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. In general, their home range size is thought to be about 12.5 to 38.8 hectares; females generally have a smaller home range. Litters often number more than the available teats. An opossum eating solid food with its mother is likely to be 3 to 5 months old, while a opossum … They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. It is a nocturnal mammal feeding on a wide variety of items including fruits, berries, and other plants, insects, earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Description of the Opossum. Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. The young opossums are incredibly small at birth, about the size of a honeybee, each weighing on… Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are omnivorous, opportunistic hunters and foragers. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 1-2 years. Virginia opossums are often seen as pests and in many states, it is illegal to keep this species as a pet. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs). If you’re lucky enough to see one, say hello. However, adult size varies greatly: males tend to be larger than females, northern specimens outgrow those in the tropics and the Virginia opossums living near urban areas tend to be heavier than their rural counterparts. While giving birth, the female adopts a sitting posture and licks the fur of the abdomen and pouch. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Two to three litters a year are born after a gestation period of only 12 to 13 days. They have opposable thumbs on their hind legs which help them climb trees. >> Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. This behavior is relatively rare and is most frequently displayed in young opossums. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Opossums begin breeding in late winter and early spring. Size. It has a long, hairless, prehensile tail, a robust body and short legs with sharp claws. Between two and four months of age, they may ride on their mother's back and are dependent on the mother for help in finding food and shelter. - Natalie Angier. An adult Virginia opossum reaches roughly the size of a domestic cat. >> The Virginia opossum is the only living marsupial from North America. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. This page is dedicated to the anatomy and misc medical issues of the Virginia Opossum. They have long, hairless, prehensile tails and feet with an opposable hallux (or thumb) that help them hold on to branches. You may encounter opossums in the back yards of houses, leading some people to worry about the threat these creatures pose to humans and their pets. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Description. The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. Virginia Opossum Video food. For information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services. White hair covers its face, and its body is a sparse, coarse grizzle … Identifying Features: cat-sized body; grey fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. Physical Description: Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. Opossums are active year-round but often den up when the weather is extremely cold. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Size and also color variation between opossums may depend on the habitat they are residing in. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Opossums have white fur tipped with gray or black and white guard hairs. Their rather distant marsupial relatives in Australia and New Zealand are technically possums. The young are born about 12 to 13 days after fertilization, from February through July. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. It eats insects, lizards, mice, snails, earthworms, fruit, nuts, seeds, grasses, and carrion (dead meat that it finds, like road kill). Opossums are naturally shy and solitary animals. Not long after this, they begin to move around within the pouch and may leave the pouch briefly to climb about on the mother’s back when they are around 3 months old. Young opossums ride on their mother’s back for 2 to 3 weeks and wean at 3 to 4 months. The 2020 Trail Camera Video Competition has crowned its victors, with an opossum shoving a skunk into a pond stealing the show >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they do not blink, and their tongue hangs out. Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg). habitat. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia Opossum - Didelphis virginiana Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Marsupialia Order: Di These may be under-estimates, as some sources claim Virginia opossums’ body weight ranges from 3 to 6 kg. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. During this death feigning behavior the animal becomes motionless, this behavior may last as little as a minute, or it may continue up to 6 hours. The young opossums remain attached to the teat for about 2 months. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. So, the answer is yes. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or as roadkill. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 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> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). 35-94 cm The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Facts about possums often include claims that they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures. The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Contrary to popular belief, only juvenile opossums are light enough to use their tails to hang upside down. Opossums belong to the Didelphidae family (New World Opossums). >> The young are about the size of a bee when they are born. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Baby opossums, called joeys, are only about the size of a honeybee when they are born. The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) measures 33 – 50 centimetres (13 – 20 inches) in length and weighs around 2 – 5.5 kilograms (4.5 – 12 pounds). They will utilize just about any sheltered location for a den including hollows in trees and fallen logs, rock cavities, brush piles, and the burrows of other animals. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. The average litter size is between six and nine babies. Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). Their underfur is usually whitish and tipped in black, but their coloration varies throughout their range. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and w… 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. Virginia opossums are famous for entering a defensive catatonic state, commonly known as “going opossum”. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. Sunday 12PM – 4PM 770.992.2055
They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. Virginia opossums are mainly recognized by their grayish black hair. It has short legs and an opposable big toe which is clawless. Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. 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. These animals, around the size of a small cat, have 50 teeth. Size Opossums are about the size of small dogs. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 – 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), also known as possum, is both a benefit and a nuisance to landowners. [3] ... "Didelphia" is Greek, meaning "two wombs," and "Virginiana" is modern Latin meaning "of Virginia," the state where opossums were first discovered. Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are 2 to 3.5 feet long (nose to tail), approximately the size of a housecat, and weigh 4 to 14 lbs. Reverts to original layout including graphics and images, Dr. Katherine Edwards,Wildlife Management Specialist. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). Eventually as they ride about on the mother’s back they begin to fall off and are then left to fend for themselves. Opossums pose little threat to humans, their property or pets. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! This tale came about because of the unusual bifurcated (forked) penis of the male opossum. The Virginia or American opossum, sometimes referred to as the possum, is the only marsupial that lives wild in the United States. Basic Anatomy: The purpose of these pages is to show miscellaneous pictures of opossum anatomy as well as some their medical issues. Virginia opossums are about the size of a house cat. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial. Like Australia possums, Virginia opossums have long tail—reaching the length of its body. They crawl along a pathway licked by the mother from the genital opening to the pouch and then attach themselves to one of the teats, which usually average 13 in number. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Breeding season brings on two major consequences. Opossums sometimes take shelter in attics and garages with openings for easy entrance. They have five toes on each foot, the “big toe” on the hind foot lacks a claw but is an opposable thumb, and a pouch for young develops during breeding season on the female. The opossum's nose or muzzle is long, pointed, and rather flat, and its ears are thin and hairless The prehensile tail of the Virginia opossum is long, scaly, and completely almost completely hairless. Females have a furlined pouch on their abdomen into which these tiny, under-developed young crawl. Gestation is 12.5-13 days. Description of the Opossum. While not particularly large by today's standards, it was a giant compared to the mostly shrew- … Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a navy bean. Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana Common Name(s): Virginia Opossum, Possum Identification: Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Opossums that young can be very difficult to keep alive, but I know a number of rehabbers who have been very successful raising pinkies. The opossum is usually about the size of a large cat, with an adult weighing in around 4-6 kegs (8.8-13.2 lbs) and are usually around 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) in length from nose to tail. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Litters are produced in two peak periods: January-March and May-July. omnivore. A modified diet can include pet food, garbage, and compost piles. Opossums remain in the mother's pouch until they are two months old. They have coarse, greyish fur, whitish faces with long, pointed snouts, naked, round ears, and beady eyes. The hind legs also do not have claws. Although there is some disagreement regarding sexual dimorphism, adult male Virginia opossums tend to be slightly larger than adult females. A natural diet includes berries, plants, grains and nuts, insects, birds, small mammals, and carrion. in length, from nose to tail An average soccer ball is 8.65 inches tall. A marsupial is an animal with a pouch. The Virginia opossum is about the size of a large house cat. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Skull Pictures: Dorsal Mandible Lateral Posterior Mandible Ventral. Then again, Captain Cook used the term opossum way back in 1770 in Australia. The opossum is found throughout most of the eastern United States and has expanded its range to the north and to the west. The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. >> Is it Opossum or just plain Possum? However, the Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States, the vast majority of recorded rabies cases come from the bite of 4 animals - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. A joey will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. 2, 5, 29, 30. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. Informally, most folks just call them ‘possums. Check to see if the opossum's eyes have opened. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Scientific Name of the Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana. Opossums are about the size of small dogs. Opossums are omnivorous. Reproduction: In California, the Virginia opossum mates in January-February and June-July. Litter size in California averaged 7.2 (Reynolds 1952). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. There are around 60 species of Opossums, most are the size of a domestic cat or smaller. Opossums are covered with long grey to black … (4 to 6 kilograms), according to National Geographic . Denning sites are changed frequently. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 12000 Government Center Pkwy What is a possum? The common opossum, also known as the Virginia opossum, is a somewhat maligned but fascinating creature. Well, technically these American animals are opossums. At birth each newborn opossum is about the size of a honeybee, 14 mm (0.6 in) in length, weighs 0.16 g (0.0056 oz), and is pink to translucent in color. Opossums inhabit open meadows and grasslands, wooded areas near streams or ponds, suburban and urban areas of Fairfax County. The young are largely undeveloped at birth except for their mouth and front legs. [2] We have our opossum, a living piece of the Cretaceous. One is the belief that the male opossum breeds the female through her nose and then she sneezes the young into the pouch! Seventeen studies (Gardner 1982) reported litter sizes ranging from 6.3-10.0. Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Disclaimer. opossum rabies. Monday – Saturday 10AM – 4PM It has grayish fur everywhere but on its ears, feet, and tail. Virginia opossums have robust bodies and short legs with sharp claws. These marsupials are great climbers. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother's milk, if you are observing it in the wild. It is very and is an extremely adaptable animal, often living in very close proximity to man. Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. General Admission The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. Didelphis virginiana - Virginia opossum. Adult males are bigger than females. They roam around at night in search of food: insects (even cockroaches! The Virginia opossum is about the size of a cat. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. The Virginia Opossum is an omnivore (eating both plants and animals). This act often makes the attacker lose interest in the opossum. (ZooKeys / T.E. An opossum is about the size of a house cat.It has grizzled white and gray fur. It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds. Learn its characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, benefits and uses, and damage and control techniques. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. Opossum skeleton. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. ), snails, mice, rats, plants, small lizards and snakes. In captivity however they can live up to 4 years. On Farms. This trait is true of all marsupials. Read on to learn about the opossum. One of the coolest common opossum facts is that newborn opossum babies are only about the size of a raisin! Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. In general, their home range size is thought to be about 12.5 to 38.8 hectares; females generally have a smaller home range. Litters often number more than the available teats. An opossum eating solid food with its mother is likely to be 3 to 5 months old, while a opossum … They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. It is a nocturnal mammal feeding on a wide variety of items including fruits, berries, and other plants, insects, earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Description of the Opossum. Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. The young opossums are incredibly small at birth, about the size of a honeybee, each weighing on… Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are omnivorous, opportunistic hunters and foragers. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 1-2 years. Virginia opossums are often seen as pests and in many states, it is illegal to keep this species as a pet. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs). If you’re lucky enough to see one, say hello. However, adult size varies greatly: males tend to be larger than females, northern specimens outgrow those in the tropics and the Virginia opossums living near urban areas tend to be heavier than their rural counterparts. While giving birth, the female adopts a sitting posture and licks the fur of the abdomen and pouch. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Two to three litters a year are born after a gestation period of only 12 to 13 days. They have opposable thumbs on their hind legs which help them climb trees. >> Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. This behavior is relatively rare and is most frequently displayed in young opossums. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Opossums begin breeding in late winter and early spring. Size. It has a long, hairless, prehensile tail, a robust body and short legs with sharp claws. Between two and four months of age, they may ride on their mother's back and are dependent on the mother for help in finding food and shelter. - Natalie Angier. An adult Virginia opossum reaches roughly the size of a domestic cat. >> The Virginia opossum is the only living marsupial from North America. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. This page is dedicated to the anatomy and misc medical issues of the Virginia Opossum. They have long, hairless, prehensile tails and feet with an opposable hallux (or thumb) that help them hold on to branches. You may encounter opossums in the back yards of houses, leading some people to worry about the threat these creatures pose to humans and their pets. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Description. The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. Virginia Opossum Video food. For information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services. White hair covers its face, and its body is a sparse, coarse grizzle … Identifying Features: cat-sized body; grey fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. Physical Description: Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. Opossums are active year-round but often den up when the weather is extremely cold. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Size and also color variation between opossums may depend on the habitat they are residing in. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Opossums have white fur tipped with gray or black and white guard hairs. Their rather distant marsupial relatives in Australia and New Zealand are technically possums. The young are born about 12 to 13 days after fertilization, from February through July. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. It eats insects, lizards, mice, snails, earthworms, fruit, nuts, seeds, grasses, and carrion (dead meat that it finds, like road kill). Opossums are naturally shy and solitary animals. Not long after this, they begin to move around within the pouch and may leave the pouch briefly to climb about on the mother’s back when they are around 3 months old. Young opossums ride on their mother’s back for 2 to 3 weeks and wean at 3 to 4 months. The 2020 Trail Camera Video Competition has crowned its victors, with an opossum shoving a skunk into a pond stealing the show >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they do not blink, and their tongue hangs out. Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg). habitat. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia Opossum - Didelphis virginiana Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Marsupialia Order: Di These may be under-estimates, as some sources claim Virginia opossums’ body weight ranges from 3 to 6 kg. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. During this death feigning behavior the animal becomes motionless, this behavior may last as little as a minute, or it may continue up to 6 hours. The young opossums remain attached to the teat for about 2 months. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. So, the answer is yes. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or as roadkill. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 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> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). 35-94 cm The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Facts about possums often include claims that they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures. The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Contrary to popular belief, only juvenile opossums are light enough to use their tails to hang upside down. Opossums belong to the Didelphidae family (New World Opossums). >> The young are about the size of a bee when they are born. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Baby opossums, called joeys, are only about the size of a honeybee when they are born. The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) measures 33 – 50 centimetres (13 – 20 inches) in length and weighs around 2 – 5.5 kilograms (4.5 – 12 pounds). They will utilize just about any sheltered location for a den including hollows in trees and fallen logs, rock cavities, brush piles, and the burrows of other animals. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. The average litter size is between six and nine babies. Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). Their underfur is usually whitish and tipped in black, but their coloration varies throughout their range. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and w… 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. Virginia opossums are famous for entering a defensive catatonic state, commonly known as “going opossum”. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. Sunday 12PM – 4PM 770.992.2055
They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. Virginia opossums are mainly recognized by their grayish black hair. It has short legs and an opposable big toe which is clawless. Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. 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. These animals, around the size of a small cat, have 50 teeth. Size Opossums are about the size of small dogs. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 – 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), also known as possum, is both a benefit and a nuisance to landowners. [3] ... "Didelphia" is Greek, meaning "two wombs," and "Virginiana" is modern Latin meaning "of Virginia," the state where opossums were first discovered. Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are 2 to 3.5 feet long (nose to tail), approximately the size of a housecat, and weigh 4 to 14 lbs. Reverts to original layout including graphics and images, Dr. Katherine Edwards,Wildlife Management Specialist. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). Eventually as they ride about on the mother’s back they begin to fall off and are then left to fend for themselves. Opossums pose little threat to humans, their property or pets. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! This tale came about because of the unusual bifurcated (forked) penis of the male opossum. The Virginia or American opossum, sometimes referred to as the possum, is the only marsupial that lives wild in the United States. Basic Anatomy: The purpose of these pages is to show miscellaneous pictures of opossum anatomy as well as some their medical issues. Virginia opossums are about the size of a house cat. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial. Like Australia possums, Virginia opossums have long tail—reaching the length of its body. They crawl along a pathway licked by the mother from the genital opening to the pouch and then attach themselves to one of the teats, which usually average 13 in number. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Breeding season brings on two major consequences. Opossums sometimes take shelter in attics and garages with openings for easy entrance. They have five toes on each foot, the “big toe” on the hind foot lacks a claw but is an opposable thumb, and a pouch for young develops during breeding season on the female. The opossum's nose or muzzle is long, pointed, and rather flat, and its ears are thin and hairless The prehensile tail of the Virginia opossum is long, scaly, and completely almost completely hairless. Females have a furlined pouch on their abdomen into which these tiny, under-developed young crawl. Gestation is 12.5-13 days. Description of the Opossum. While not particularly large by today's standards, it was a giant compared to the mostly shrew- … Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a navy bean. Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana Common Name(s): Virginia Opossum, Possum Identification: Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Opossums that young can be very difficult to keep alive, but I know a number of rehabbers who have been very successful raising pinkies. The opossum is usually about the size of a large cat, with an adult weighing in around 4-6 kegs (8.8-13.2 lbs) and are usually around 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) in length from nose to tail. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Litters are produced in two peak periods: January-March and May-July. omnivore. A modified diet can include pet food, garbage, and compost piles. Opossums remain in the mother's pouch until they are two months old. They have coarse, greyish fur, whitish faces with long, pointed snouts, naked, round ears, and beady eyes. The hind legs also do not have claws. Although there is some disagreement regarding sexual dimorphism, adult male Virginia opossums tend to be slightly larger than adult females. A natural diet includes berries, plants, grains and nuts, insects, birds, small mammals, and carrion. in length, from nose to tail An average soccer ball is 8.65 inches tall. A marsupial is an animal with a pouch. The Virginia opossum is about the size of a large house cat. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Skull Pictures: Dorsal Mandible Lateral Posterior Mandible Ventral. Then again, Captain Cook used the term opossum way back in 1770 in Australia. The opossum is found throughout most of the eastern United States and has expanded its range to the north and to the west. The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. >> Is it Opossum or just plain Possum? However, the Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States, the vast majority of recorded rabies cases come from the bite of 4 animals - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. A joey will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. 2, 5, 29, 30. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. Informally, most folks just call them ‘possums. Check to see if the opossum's eyes have opened. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Scientific Name of the Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana. Opossums are about the size of small dogs. Opossums are omnivorous. Reproduction: In California, the Virginia opossum mates in January-February and June-July. Litter size in California averaged 7.2 (Reynolds 1952). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. There are around 60 species of Opossums, most are the size of a domestic cat or smaller. Opossums are covered with long grey to black … (4 to 6 kilograms), according to National Geographic . Denning sites are changed frequently. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 12000 Government Center Pkwy What is a possum? The common opossum, also known as the Virginia opossum, is a somewhat maligned but fascinating creature. Well, technically these American animals are opossums. At birth each newborn opossum is about the size of a honeybee, 14 mm (0.6 in) in length, weighs 0.16 g (0.0056 oz), and is pink to translucent in color. Opossums inhabit open meadows and grasslands, wooded areas near streams or ponds, suburban and urban areas of Fairfax County. The young are largely undeveloped at birth except for their mouth and front legs. [2] We have our opossum, a living piece of the Cretaceous. One is the belief that the male opossum breeds the female through her nose and then she sneezes the young into the pouch! Seventeen studies (Gardner 1982) reported litter sizes ranging from 6.3-10.0. Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Disclaimer. opossum rabies. Monday – Saturday 10AM – 4PM It has grayish fur everywhere but on its ears, feet, and tail. Virginia opossums have robust bodies and short legs with sharp claws. These marsupials are great climbers. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother's milk, if you are observing it in the wild. It is very and is an extremely adaptable animal, often living in very close proximity to man. Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. General Admission The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. Didelphis virginiana - Virginia opossum. Adult males are bigger than females. They roam around at night in search of food: insects (even cockroaches! The Virginia opossum is about the size of a cat. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. The Virginia Opossum is an omnivore (eating both plants and animals). This act often makes the attacker lose interest in the opossum. (ZooKeys / T.E. An opossum is about the size of a house cat.It has grizzled white and gray fur. It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds. Learn its characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, benefits and uses, and damage and control techniques. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. Opossum skeleton. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. ), snails, mice, rats, plants, small lizards and snakes. In captivity however they can live up to 4 years. On Farms. This trait is true of all marsupials. Read on to learn about the opossum. One of the coolest common opossum facts is that newborn opossum babies are only about the size of a raisin! Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. In general, their home range size is thought to be about 12.5 to 38.8 hectares; females generally have a smaller home range. Litters often number more than the available teats. An opossum eating solid food with its mother is likely to be 3 to 5 months old, while a opossum … They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. It is a nocturnal mammal feeding on a wide variety of items including fruits, berries, and other plants, insects, earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Description of the Opossum. Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. The young opossums are incredibly small at birth, about the size of a honeybee, each weighing on… Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are omnivorous, opportunistic hunters and foragers. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 1-2 years. Virginia opossums are often seen as pests and in many states, it is illegal to keep this species as a pet. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs). If you’re lucky enough to see one, say hello. However, adult size varies greatly: males tend to be larger than females, northern specimens outgrow those in the tropics and the Virginia opossums living near urban areas tend to be heavier than their rural counterparts. While giving birth, the female adopts a sitting posture and licks the fur of the abdomen and pouch. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Two to three litters a year are born after a gestation period of only 12 to 13 days. They have opposable thumbs on their hind legs which help them climb trees. >> Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. This behavior is relatively rare and is most frequently displayed in young opossums. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Opossums begin breeding in late winter and early spring. Size. It has a long, hairless, prehensile tail, a robust body and short legs with sharp claws. Between two and four months of age, they may ride on their mother's back and are dependent on the mother for help in finding food and shelter. - Natalie Angier. An adult Virginia opossum reaches roughly the size of a domestic cat. >> The Virginia opossum is the only living marsupial from North America. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. This page is dedicated to the anatomy and misc medical issues of the Virginia Opossum. They have long, hairless, prehensile tails and feet with an opposable hallux (or thumb) that help them hold on to branches. You may encounter opossums in the back yards of houses, leading some people to worry about the threat these creatures pose to humans and their pets. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Description. The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. Virginia Opossum Video food. For information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services. White hair covers its face, and its body is a sparse, coarse grizzle … Identifying Features: cat-sized body; grey fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. Physical Description: Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. Opossums are active year-round but often den up when the weather is extremely cold. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Size and also color variation between opossums may depend on the habitat they are residing in. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Opossums have white fur tipped with gray or black and white guard hairs. Their rather distant marsupial relatives in Australia and New Zealand are technically possums. The young are born about 12 to 13 days after fertilization, from February through July. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. It eats insects, lizards, mice, snails, earthworms, fruit, nuts, seeds, grasses, and carrion (dead meat that it finds, like road kill). Opossums are naturally shy and solitary animals. Not long after this, they begin to move around within the pouch and may leave the pouch briefly to climb about on the mother’s back when they are around 3 months old. Young opossums ride on their mother’s back for 2 to 3 weeks and wean at 3 to 4 months. The 2020 Trail Camera Video Competition has crowned its victors, with an opossum shoving a skunk into a pond stealing the show >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they do not blink, and their tongue hangs out. Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg). habitat. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia Opossum - Didelphis virginiana Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Marsupialia Order: Di These may be under-estimates, as some sources claim Virginia opossums’ body weight ranges from 3 to 6 kg. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. During this death feigning behavior the animal becomes motionless, this behavior may last as little as a minute, or it may continue up to 6 hours. The young opossums remain attached to the teat for about 2 months. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. So, the answer is yes. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or as roadkill. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 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The babies climb up the mother's fur and into her pouch where they find a teat. It can use its tail to hang from tree branches, and it has paws with opposable "thumbs." Contactez votre entreprise pour acquérir une licence pour cette image. Opossums are about the size of a house cat, have long naked tails and small ears. However, adult size varies greatly: males tend to be larger than females, northern specimens outgrow those in the tropics and the Virginia opossums living near urban areas tend to be heavier than their rural counterparts. Reproduction: In California, the Virginia opossum mates in January-February and June-July. 9135 Willeo Rd Roswell, GA 30075
A marsupial is an animal with a pouch, like a kangaroo or a koala. The opossum can hang from its tail for a short time. Litter size in California averaged 7.2 (Reynolds 1952). It has a prehensile tail. The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial. They measure 13–37 in (35–94 cm) long from their snout to the base of the tail, with the tail adding another 8.5–19 in (21.6–47 cm). As a marsupial, they carry and nurse their young in a pouch after birth—just like kangaroos and koalas! They are one of the world's most variably sized mammals, since a large male from northern North America weighs ab… Virginia opossums’ home range size varies based on an individual’s range, their habitat, the available resources and their gender. It has a triangular head and a long, pointed nose. The opossum has a long, pointed face with black eyes, long whiskers and a distinctive pink nose. It has two color phases — (1) grayish and (2) blackish; basal fourth or more of tail black, terminal section whitish; legs and feet blackish, toes often white or whitish. Males are typically larger than females. Males are usually larger and heavier than females. The female will raise one or two litters each year, with the first one generally in February and the second in June. It has a triangular head and a long, pointed nose. Opossums hold the distinction of being the only marsupials in North America. It has a prehensile tail. Males are usually larger than females. In 1612, the English explorer, John Smith, described it as having the head of a pig, a tail of a rat, and being the size of a cat with baggage under her belly where she carries and suckles her young. To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. The penis of the male opossum is "bifurcated" or split on the end. They have five toes on each foot, the “big toe” on the hind foot lacks a claw but is an opposable thumb, and a pouch for young develops during breeding season on the female. >> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). 35-94 cm The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Facts about possums often include claims that they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures. The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Contrary to popular belief, only juvenile opossums are light enough to use their tails to hang upside down. Opossums belong to the Didelphidae family (New World Opossums). >> The young are about the size of a bee when they are born. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Baby opossums, called joeys, are only about the size of a honeybee when they are born. The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) measures 33 – 50 centimetres (13 – 20 inches) in length and weighs around 2 – 5.5 kilograms (4.5 – 12 pounds). They will utilize just about any sheltered location for a den including hollows in trees and fallen logs, rock cavities, brush piles, and the burrows of other animals. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. The average litter size is between six and nine babies. Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). Their underfur is usually whitish and tipped in black, but their coloration varies throughout their range. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and w… 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. Virginia opossums are famous for entering a defensive catatonic state, commonly known as “going opossum”. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. Sunday 12PM – 4PM 770.992.2055
They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. Virginia opossums are mainly recognized by their grayish black hair. It has short legs and an opposable big toe which is clawless. Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. 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. These animals, around the size of a small cat, have 50 teeth. Size Opossums are about the size of small dogs. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 – 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), also known as possum, is both a benefit and a nuisance to landowners. [3] ... "Didelphia" is Greek, meaning "two wombs," and "Virginiana" is modern Latin meaning "of Virginia," the state where opossums were first discovered. Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are 2 to 3.5 feet long (nose to tail), approximately the size of a housecat, and weigh 4 to 14 lbs. Reverts to original layout including graphics and images, Dr. Katherine Edwards,Wildlife Management Specialist. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). Eventually as they ride about on the mother’s back they begin to fall off and are then left to fend for themselves. Opossums pose little threat to humans, their property or pets. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! This tale came about because of the unusual bifurcated (forked) penis of the male opossum. The Virginia or American opossum, sometimes referred to as the possum, is the only marsupial that lives wild in the United States. Basic Anatomy: The purpose of these pages is to show miscellaneous pictures of opossum anatomy as well as some their medical issues. Virginia opossums are about the size of a house cat. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial. Like Australia possums, Virginia opossums have long tail—reaching the length of its body. They crawl along a pathway licked by the mother from the genital opening to the pouch and then attach themselves to one of the teats, which usually average 13 in number. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Breeding season brings on two major consequences. Opossums sometimes take shelter in attics and garages with openings for easy entrance. They have five toes on each foot, the “big toe” on the hind foot lacks a claw but is an opposable thumb, and a pouch for young develops during breeding season on the female. The opossum's nose or muzzle is long, pointed, and rather flat, and its ears are thin and hairless The prehensile tail of the Virginia opossum is long, scaly, and completely almost completely hairless. Females have a furlined pouch on their abdomen into which these tiny, under-developed young crawl. Gestation is 12.5-13 days. Description of the Opossum. While not particularly large by today's standards, it was a giant compared to the mostly shrew- … Like most marsupials, opossums are very small when they are born - about the size of a navy bean. Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana Common Name(s): Virginia Opossum, Possum Identification: Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Opossums that young can be very difficult to keep alive, but I know a number of rehabbers who have been very successful raising pinkies. The opossum is usually about the size of a large cat, with an adult weighing in around 4-6 kegs (8.8-13.2 lbs) and are usually around 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) in length from nose to tail. They are small to medium in size and have mixed black, gray, and white fur. Litters are produced in two peak periods: January-March and May-July. omnivore. A modified diet can include pet food, garbage, and compost piles. Opossums remain in the mother's pouch until they are two months old. They have coarse, greyish fur, whitish faces with long, pointed snouts, naked, round ears, and beady eyes. The hind legs also do not have claws. Although there is some disagreement regarding sexual dimorphism, adult male Virginia opossums tend to be slightly larger than adult females. A natural diet includes berries, plants, grains and nuts, insects, birds, small mammals, and carrion. in length, from nose to tail An average soccer ball is 8.65 inches tall. A marsupial is an animal with a pouch. The Virginia opossum is about the size of a large house cat. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Skull Pictures: Dorsal Mandible Lateral Posterior Mandible Ventral. Then again, Captain Cook used the term opossum way back in 1770 in Australia. The opossum is found throughout most of the eastern United States and has expanded its range to the north and to the west. The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. >> Is it Opossum or just plain Possum? However, the Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States, the vast majority of recorded rabies cases come from the bite of 4 animals - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. A joey will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. 2, 5, 29, 30. The Virginia opossum breeds in late January to early July, after which the female constructs a nest in the hollow of a tree or an abandoned burrow. Informally, most folks just call them ‘possums. Check to see if the opossum's eyes have opened. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Males often weigh between 2.1 to 2.8 kg, whereas females generally range between 1.9 to 2.1 kg. Scientific Name of the Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana. Opossums are about the size of small dogs. Opossums are omnivorous. Reproduction: In California, the Virginia opossum mates in January-February and June-July. Litter size in California averaged 7.2 (Reynolds 1952). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. There are around 60 species of Opossums, most are the size of a domestic cat or smaller. Opossums are covered with long grey to black … (4 to 6 kilograms), according to National Geographic . Denning sites are changed frequently. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 12000 Government Center Pkwy What is a possum? The common opossum, also known as the Virginia opossum, is a somewhat maligned but fascinating creature. Well, technically these American animals are opossums. At birth each newborn opossum is about the size of a honeybee, 14 mm (0.6 in) in length, weighs 0.16 g (0.0056 oz), and is pink to translucent in color. Opossums inhabit open meadows and grasslands, wooded areas near streams or ponds, suburban and urban areas of Fairfax County. The young are largely undeveloped at birth except for their mouth and front legs. [2] We have our opossum, a living piece of the Cretaceous. One is the belief that the male opossum breeds the female through her nose and then she sneezes the young into the pouch! Seventeen studies (Gardner 1982) reported litter sizes ranging from 6.3-10.0. Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana are the only marsupial (mammals with a pouch) in North America. Disclaimer. opossum rabies. Monday – Saturday 10AM – 4PM It has grayish fur everywhere but on its ears, feet, and tail. Virginia opossums have robust bodies and short legs with sharp claws. These marsupials are great climbers. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother's milk, if you are observing it in the wild. It is very and is an extremely adaptable animal, often living in very close proximity to man. Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. General Admission The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. Didelphis virginiana - Virginia opossum. Adult males are bigger than females. They roam around at night in search of food: insects (even cockroaches! The Virginia opossum is about the size of a cat. The Virginia opossum is a small mammal about the size of a house cat with a long, pointed nose, black hairless ears, dark eyes and a nearly hairless tail adapted to grasping objects (called “prehensile”). They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. The Virginia Opossum is an omnivore (eating both plants and animals). This act often makes the attacker lose interest in the opossum. (ZooKeys / T.E. An opossum is about the size of a house cat.It has grizzled white and gray fur. It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds. Learn its characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, benefits and uses, and damage and control techniques. Virginia opossums will have a long breeding season ranging from December to October next year. Opossum skeleton. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. ), snails, mice, rats, plants, small lizards and snakes. In captivity however they can live up to 4 years. On Farms. This trait is true of all marsupials. Read on to learn about the opossum. One of the coolest common opossum facts is that newborn opossum babies are only about the size of a raisin! Virginia opossums can live as long as 2 years in the wild. In general, their home range size is thought to be about 12.5 to 38.8 hectares; females generally have a smaller home range. Litters often number more than the available teats. An opossum eating solid food with its mother is likely to be 3 to 5 months old, while a opossum … They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. It is a nocturnal mammal feeding on a wide variety of items including fruits, berries, and other plants, insects, earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Description of the Opossum. Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. The young opossums are incredibly small at birth, about the size of a honeybee, each weighing on… Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are omnivorous, opportunistic hunters and foragers. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 1-2 years. Virginia opossums are often seen as pests and in many states, it is illegal to keep this species as a pet. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs). If you’re lucky enough to see one, say hello. However, adult size varies greatly: males tend to be larger than females, northern specimens outgrow those in the tropics and the Virginia opossums living near urban areas tend to be heavier than their rural counterparts. While giving birth, the female adopts a sitting posture and licks the fur of the abdomen and pouch. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Their faces are white with a long pink nose, black eyes, and black ears. Two to three litters a year are born after a gestation period of only 12 to 13 days. They have opposable thumbs on their hind legs which help them climb trees. >> Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time. The female produces 20 – 30 litters in February and June but the maximum litter size can reach up to 50. This behavior is relatively rare and is most frequently displayed in young opossums. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Opossums begin breeding in late winter and early spring. Size. It has a long, hairless, prehensile tail, a robust body and short legs with sharp claws. Between two and four months of age, they may ride on their mother's back and are dependent on the mother for help in finding food and shelter. - Natalie Angier. An adult Virginia opossum reaches roughly the size of a domestic cat. >> The Virginia opossum is the only living marsupial from North America. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earth's oldest surviving mammals! The species is polyestrous, with an estrous cycle of 22-38 days. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. This page is dedicated to the anatomy and misc medical issues of the Virginia Opossum. They have long, hairless, prehensile tails and feet with an opposable hallux (or thumb) that help them hold on to branches. You may encounter opossums in the back yards of houses, leading some people to worry about the threat these creatures pose to humans and their pets. Body color ranges from whitish-gray or dark gray with a long and pointed face, round hairless ears, and a distinct long hairless tail. Description. The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. Virginia Opossum Video food. For information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services. White hair covers its face, and its body is a sparse, coarse grizzle … Identifying Features: cat-sized body; grey fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. Physical Description: Adult opossums can range in size from 24 to 33 inches and they weigh between 6 and 15 pounds with the males generally being slightly larger than the females. Opossums are active year-round but often den up when the weather is extremely cold. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) History and Status Habitats & Habits Description The Virginia opossum is a unique animal in North Carolina. Size and also color variation between opossums may depend on the habitat they are residing in. The reason opossums have so many babies to insure that some of them survive. Opossums have white fur tipped with gray or black and white guard hairs. Their rather distant marsupial relatives in Australia and New Zealand are technically possums. The young are born about 12 to 13 days after fertilization, from February through July. The Virginia Opossum is about 2.5 feet (76 cm) long, including its foot-long, hairless, prehensile (grasping) tail. It eats insects, lizards, mice, snails, earthworms, fruit, nuts, seeds, grasses, and carrion (dead meat that it finds, like road kill). Opossums are naturally shy and solitary animals. Not long after this, they begin to move around within the pouch and may leave the pouch briefly to climb about on the mother’s back when they are around 3 months old. Young opossums ride on their mother’s back for 2 to 3 weeks and wean at 3 to 4 months. The 2020 Trail Camera Video Competition has crowned its victors, with an opossum shoving a skunk into a pond stealing the show >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they do not blink, and their tongue hangs out. Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg). habitat. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. Virginia Opossum - Didelphis virginiana Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Marsupialia Order: Di These may be under-estimates, as some sources claim Virginia opossums’ body weight ranges from 3 to 6 kg. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. During this death feigning behavior the animal becomes motionless, this behavior may last as little as a minute, or it may continue up to 6 hours. The young opossums remain attached to the teat for about 2 months. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. So, the answer is yes. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or as roadkill. Sources vary widely about their weight, with some reporting a range of 4.6 to 6.2 pounds (2.1 to 2.8 kg) and others as high as 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kg). 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