Identification Pointers
Virginia opossums have a long, hairless, prehensile tail adapted to grab branches and easily carry small objects. The opossum’s body coat is a dull grayish brown; the face is white. Ears are hairless; noses are long and pink. The opossum’s body length varies from 21.5 to 56 inches with tail included. Opossums belong to a primitive group of mammals known as marsupials, known for very small brains and pouches for rearing young. Opossums are not the smartest mammals.
Behavior Tips
The Virginia opossum is nocturnal and omnivorous. Their diet includes fruit, insects, garbage and carrion. Opossums generally respond to danger by ferociously hissing, screeching, and showing their full set of fifty teeth. If this doesn’t work, pretending to be dead is an alternative defense strategy. “Playing possum” is a well-known phrase with roots in this interesting behavior.