1. Cover and Shelter: They need places to hide from predators and build nests. This includes:
* Forests: Especially deciduous forests with plenty of trees and undergrowth.
* Woodlands: Areas with scattered trees and bushes provide good cover.
* Swamps and Marshes: Dense vegetation offers excellent protection.
* Urban Areas: Opossums are known to thrive in cities, finding shelter in attics, garages, and abandoned buildings.
2. Food Sources: Opossums are omnivores, so they need access to:
* Fruits and Vegetables: They are attracted to gardens and orchards.
* Insects and Small Animals: They'll prey on mice, rats, snakes, and other small creatures.
* Carrion: They play an important role in the ecosystem as scavengers, eating dead animals.
* Garbage: Sadly, opossums are often drawn to human garbage, which is a major source of conflict.
3. Water Sources: Opossums need access to water for drinking and bathing. They can be found near:
* Streams, Rivers, and Ponds: These provide a good source of drinking water.
* Puddles and Rainwater: Opossums are resourceful and can find water in various places.
Distribution: Opossums are native to the Americas and are found throughout the eastern United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America.
Key Points:
* Opossums are incredibly adaptable and can live in diverse environments.
* They need cover and shelter to hide from predators and build nests.
* They thrive in areas with a variety of food sources, from fruits and insects to carrion and garbage.
* Access to water is essential for their survival.
Remember, while opossums can be beneficial to the ecosystem, they can also cause problems in urban areas due to their scavenging habits and potential for disease transmission.