Virginia Opossum Facts

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana virginiana) is a native Virginia species. Also known as a possum and a common opossum, it is the only North American marsupial, according to the SeaWorld website. Marsupials are mammals that carry their young in abdominal pouches. The nocturnal Virginia opossum is also a solitary species.

  1. History

    • The opossum has remained a virtually unchanged species since prehistoric times and is referred to by some scientists as a living fossil, according to SeaWorld. Algonquin people gave the animal the name opossum, which means white animal.

    Description

    • The Virginia opossum has black eyes in a white face and a long pointed snout with a pink nose. The coat is either black or gray with guard hairs that have white tips. The slightly grasping pink tail is mostly hairless -- and is used for stability when climbing and not for hanging in trees. Weighing up to 13 lbs. the opossum is about the size of a cat, but with shorter pink legs and ranging in length from 24 to 36 inches including the tail. The 50 razor-sharp teeth are the highest amount of teeth found in a land mammal.

    Habitat and Diet

    • The Virginia opossum is found in all Virginia counties, generally near water, in thick brush or woodlands. The Virginia opossum is also found in the central and eastern half of the U.S. and southeastern Canada, as well as northern Costa Rica and up through Mexico. As an omnivore, the opossum feeds mostly on carrion, invertebrates, small vertebrates and seasonal plant matter including fruit and grain. Occasionally, the opossum will also eat snakes.

    Life Span and Gestation

    • In the wild the Virginia opossum lives two to three years, however, under managed care the life span ranges between four to seven years. Sexual maturity is reached at about one year. Gestation lasts 13 to 14 days at which time the newborn will crawl from the birth canal into the pouch and remain for 60 days. Weaning takes place around 100 to 110 days. During the year, a mature female can have two litters with each litter having up to 13 young.

    Fun Fact

    • When faced with a serious threat the opossum will go into a state of catatonia by curling up on the ground with its tongue hanging out and releasing fecal matter. It is possible for the opossum to slow its breathing and remain this way up to several hours, despite being poked or bitten by other animals. This is known as "playing possum" and gives the opossum a chance to escape because most predators will not eat dead animals, according to the SeaWorld website.