Binghamton Zoo Animals

Virginia Opossum

(Didelphis virginiana)
Order: Marsupiala
Family: Didelphidae
Genus: Didelphis
Species: Didelphis virginiana

HABITAT AND RANGE: Opossums are found throughout most of the eastern United States, south of Maine. They are also found southwest to Colorado and most of Texas, and along the coast of California, Oregon and Washington. They live in open woodlands, brushy wastelands, and farmlands across most of the United States. They are considered both terrestrial and arboreal.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Mature opossums are 24-40 inches long, including a 10-12 inch tail. They weigh 4-12 pounds, with the males being larger and heavier. The average adult is about the size of a typical house cat. They are a grayish -white color and in some areas may appear to be brownish or blackish. They have five toes with a large “thumb-like” toe to help in gripping. They are easily recognized by their naked prehensile tail that can be used to coil around things, and is similar in appearance to rodents’ tails. Opossums also have a long pointed snout with 50 teeth (the most of any North American mammal).

ADAPTATIONS: Opossums are nocturnal, and have become famous for feigning death or “playing possum,” in which an individual lies limp and motionless, usually on its side. Its eyes and mouth remain open , its tongue protrudes out, its forefeet clench, and its breathing shallows. This state may last for several minutes or several hours. Feigning may help an opossum survive an attack because some predators ignore dead prey. They also exude a musky odor which may repel some enemies. Opossums are the only marsupial indigenous to the United States.

DIET: Opossums are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating what ever they can find. Opossums do eat more animal matter than plant matter. They will consume insects, frogs, birds, snakes, mammals, earthworms, fruits and berries, garbage and carrion.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Being marsupials, these animals have a gestation period of only 12-13 days. After birth 1-14 “living embryos” about the size of a navy bean, climb up through the hair of the female and enter the vertical opening of her pouch. Each one attaches to the 11-13 nipples in the pouch and remains there for approximately 2 months. A female can give birth to up to 3 litters per year. An opossum’s life expectancy in the wild is about 1.3 years, with a few reaching age 5, while the average life span of a captive opossum is about 7 years.

STATUS IN WILD: Common