User:Wildfern.27/Virginia opossum

Virginia Opossums - Family: Didelphidae

About the Opossum

Virginia Opossums are marsupials. Marsupials do not develop a tre placenta, instead they have a pouch that their young will develop in. The pouch is located on the abdomen of the animal and the pouch cover the teats and is used to carry the young until fully developed.

Range and Habitat

The range all throughout the east side of the Rocky Mountains in North America down into Mexico and up above the USA into British Columbia in Canada. These areas have a mild and dry climate. Opossums tend to live in the brushy habitats of forested lands near streams. This provides cover and available water. Sometimes, you will find Opossums in a developed area, maybe living under your home or digging in your trash. Anywhere that has good coverage like underground burrows, in between rocks, hollowed out trees, or the wood pile in your backyard make the perfect den for an Opossum.

Vital Statistics and Physical Features

Opossums usually live between 2-4 years. Most deaths of opossums occur in the first year of life. Many are taken by predators or hit on roads. Opossums typically weight about 1-2kg (2-4lb). That is about the same as a carton or milk. Their length is around 55-65cm (22-26in), this includes their tails. Opossums tails are prehensile, this means they can use their tail to hang from trees and support itself off the ground. they walk on all fours and can sit on their back two feet and support themselves. Sexual maturity is hit around 1 year of age. Females gestation period is 13 days. They can have anywhere between 6-25 young but death rates are higher with big litters. Since they are marsupials, the young will stay in the mother’s pouch for 1-2 months. Opossums fur is usually dark gray and black in color with bit of white around the face and middle body. Opossums have a snout that is narrow and pink feet and nose with visible whiskers. They have around 50 sharp small teeth in their mouths.

Diet

Opossums have a varied diet, they are omnivores. Their diet can consist of rodents, eggs, carrion invertebrates, plants, fruit, and again your trash.

Other Facts

Opossums are one of the many animals that play dead as a defense mechanism.