North American Opossum

North American Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Wetland, Urban
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Activity: Nocturnal (Active at night)
Lifespan: 1.5-2 years

A highly adaptable, prolific animal that often feigns death if surprised or threatened. Resembling a large rat, the opossum is largely white with a long, hairless tail. When “playing possum,” the animal will involuntarily draw back its lips, bare its teeth, and saliva will foam around the mouth. Contrary to popular belief, adult opossums do not hang from trees by their tails. However, babies may dangle temporarily.

Diet

Opossums are extremely opportunistic feeders. They eat a variety of foods based on the season, their habitat and their range. Their diets include vertebrates, invertebrates, plant material, fruits, grains and carrion.

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Didelphimorphia
Family: Didelphidae
Genus: Didelphis
Species: Didelphis virginiana

Scientific Name

Didelphis virginiana
Breeding Season
1-3 litters per year, in the souh breeding season is from January-August
Lifespan
1.5-2 years

Tracks or Signs

Tracks or signs

Behavior

North American opossums are solitary, nocturnal and terrestrial; however, they are also very adept climbers and may den in trees. This species begins its nightly activities around dusk and remains active until dawn; this may vary slightly throughout the year. These animals do not hibernate; however, they reduce their activity during the bitter cold seasons. During their active period, males travel greater distances, whereas females shows greater variation in their movement.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland
Urban

Geographic Distribution

Found from southern Canada to northern Costa Rica, making it the northernmost marsupial in the world.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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