Here's why:
* Venom: Some snakes, especially venomous ones like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, can inject venom that can be deadly to opossums.
* Size and species: The severity of the bite depends on the size of the snake, the amount of venom injected, and the species of opossum.
* Immune response: While opossums are known for their resistance to certain toxins, they are not immune to all snake venoms.
* Other factors: The location of the bite, the overall health of the opossum, and the promptness of treatment can all influence the outcome.
It's important to note that opossums often survive snake bites due to their resistance to venom and their ability to fight back. However, they can still suffer serious injury or even death if they are bitten by a large or venomous snake.