Opossum Facts, Behavior and Habitat

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Learn about opossum facts, behavior and habitat and the interesting lives they lead.
Learn about opossum facts, behavior and habitat and the interesting lives they lead.
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Look out world, here I come: In just a few months, a newborn grows from navy-bean-size to a handful of opossum, nearly ready to fend for itself.
Look out world, here I come: In just a few months, a newborn grows from navy-bean-size to a handful of opossum, nearly ready to fend for itself.
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Giddyap: At 2 months of age, opossum young emerge from their mother's pouch and hitch a ride on her back as she waddles about for food.
Giddyap: At 2 months of age, opossum young emerge from their mother's pouch and hitch a ride on her back as she waddles about for food.

Learn everything you need to know about opossum facts, behavior and habitat.

It is an odd sight, this shuffling, waddling creature with the faintly foul odor, a thin trickle of drool at one corner of its mouth, its hair sticking out every which way, its eyes blinking, its tail comically naked.

No, I’m not talking about you when you get up in the morning. I’m talking opossum here — Virginia opossum, to be precise, and Didelphis virginiana, to be specific.

If you live in the eastern half of the United States, along the West Coast, or in southwestern Canada, you and D. virginiana probably have crossed paths. That you were at the wheel of a car at that precise instant also is a distinct possibility. The opossum is easily one of the most common of all North American creatures, both living and squashed-on-the-road. There’s more to the opossum, though, than meets the passing eye. Look more closely, and you’ll find an animal with a remarkable story.

Learn About Opossum Facts, Behavior and Habitat

  • Published on Aug 1, 2003
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