Virginia Opossum

What it is

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is a marsupial found in North America. It is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat. It is a successful opportunist. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find Virginia Opossums in woodlands, forests, fields, and even parks and backyards across most of the eastern, central, and western US.

How to find it

They are nocturnal, so look for them at night. You might see them rummaging through trash cans or crossing roads very carefully.

Best time of day

Nighttime, year-round.

How it lives

What it eats

Almost anything: fruits, insects, eggs, pet food, carrion

What eats it

Owls, foxes, bobcats, coyotes

Worth knowing

• They are the only marsupial (pouched mammal) in North America.
• They have a prehensile tail, which means they can use it to grip things.
• Opossums are very resistant to snake venom.
• They have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal.
• When scared, they sometimes 'play opossum' by acting dead.
• They are great at finding and eating ticks, which helps stop the spread of diseases.

Why it matters

Opossums help clean up the environment by eating ticks and leftover food. They also spread plant seeds, helping trees and plants grow.