Opossum Didelphimorphia By: Kaitlyn Haglund

Related Animals Water Opossum Mexican Mouse Opossum Huon Tree Kangaroo

Physical Description Long, slender body with a pointed snout. Coarse black, grayish-white or reddish fur with white tipped guard hairs. Pinkish-White face with a pink nose and dark eyes. Each foot contains 5 digits. - Back foot has an opposable toe which is used for grasping. Average length from nose to tail - 2.75 Feet Usually weigh from 8.8 - 13.2 Pounds

Location Mostly located in the east and midwest. Some in Mexico and on the west.

Population The population is growing. Reasons: Uncontrolled growth Lack of Predators

Basic Terminology Male -> Jack Female -> Jill Their young -> Joeys Group -> Passel

Group Relationships They typically travel alone, but do travel in groups. Do not keep the same partner.

Reproduction Mating Time - Starts as early as October and goes through December. 11-13 days after mating, 20+ infants can be born. They are the size of a honeybee at this time. After birth, they go to the pouch where they further their development. Remain in pouch for 2 ½ - 3 months. Females usually have 2 litters a year.

Lifecycle Born after 11-13 days. Then they go to the pouch-stay there for 70-125 days. Stay on their mother’s back until they are 3 ½ months old. They then go and live on their own. Average lifespan = 1 - 3 years.

Habitat Forest, farmland, grassland, urban & suburban areas. Live near water. Nest in hollows of trees or in burrows of other animals, under brush piles, under houses/decks, garages, sheds, or attics. Has to be a cool, dark, & quiet place so they can sleep during the day.

Diet & Digestive System Omnivore & A Scavenger Insects, Mice, Rat, Birds, Fruits & Berries, Vegetables, Slugs & Snails, Ground Eggs, Mushrooms Carrion - decaying flesh of animals (roadkill)

Food Chain They eat: They are hunted by: Berries, Fruit, Eggs, Amphibians, Reptiles They are hunted by: Dogs, Foxes, Coyotes, Owls, Hawks,

Unique Facts They are mostly immune to rabies. Their tails are adapted for hanging and carrying. Natural defenses - when harmed they belch, growl, or urinate. If that doesn’t work - they play dead for 1 minute - 6 hours.

Works Cited "Opossum Physical Characteristics." Opossum Physical Characteristics. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. "Opossums, Opossum Pictures, Opossum Facts - National Geographic."National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2014. "10 Things You Didn't Know about Opossums." MNN. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2014.