The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial, and the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States the Virginia Opossum is referred to as possum. Virginia Opossums are a dull gray-brown with the exception of their faces which are white. They have hairless, prehensile tails used to grab branches and carry small objects. Other characteristics are hairless ears, a long, flat nose, and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. As omnivorous, the species eats a wide range of plants and animals like fruits, grains, insects, birds, and other small animals. When reacting to threats, the Virginia Opossum will feign death or “play possum”.
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). The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Virginia Opossums have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 6 years captivity.
The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial, and the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States the Virginia Opossum is referred to as possum. Virginia Opossums are a dull gray-brown with the exception of their faces which are white. They have hairless, prehensile tails used to grab branches and carry small objects. Other characteristics are hairless ears, a long, flat nose, and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. As omnivorous, the species eats a wide range of plants and animals like fruits, grains, insects, birds, and other small animals. When reacting to threats, the Virginia Opossum will feign death or “play possum”.
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). The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Virginia Opossums have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 6 years captivity.
