Mammal · GBIF taxon 2439923
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginianaAlso known as North American Opossum, Common Possum
Virginia opossums are remarkable survivors, famous for entering an involuntary, catatonic state of apparent death when confronted by extreme danger. As North America's only native marsupial, females carry up to thirteen honeybee-sized young in their pouch before the growing joeys hitch a ride on their mother's back. These nocturnal omnivores act as vital ecological cleaners, consuming massive quantities of ticks, fallen fruit, and carrion.
NocturnalMarsupialUrban Wildlife
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ticks and Insects
- Carrion
- Fallen Fruit
Predators
- Coyotes
- Great Horned Owls
- Domestic Dogs
ThreatsVehicle strikes, domestic dog attacks, and harsh winter weather
HabitatsDeciduous forests, agricultural areas, wetlands, and suburban neighborhoods
Life span1 to 3 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDidelphidae
- SpeciesDidelphis virginiana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May hiss, bare teeth, or bite if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Give Them Space: If you encounter an opossum baring its teeth, it is terrified, not aggressive, so step back.
- Secure Your Trash: Keep garbage cans sealed to prevent them from becoming dependent on human food sources.
- Appreciate Their Help: Welcome them in gardens as they naturally control pests like ticks, snails, and beetles.
Close Relative Rabipelao.jpg: Juan Tello derivative work: WolfmanSF (talk) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative "black four-eyed opossums, gray four-eyed opossums" by Demian Hiß is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. · cc-by
Semi-Aquatic Relative Enrique González / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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