|
Opossum |
|
Grouping |
Omnivore |
|
Nicknames |
Possum, Really Big Rat, File
Tail, Grinner. |
|
Best Known For |
North America's only marsupial
(pouched). Lying dead in the middle of the road (literally).
Playing dead when threatened (catatonic state). Also will hiss,
screech, bare teeth, and emit a foul smelling greenish fluid from
rear anal glands. Can hang from tale, excellent climber.
|
| Life
Span |
1 to 4
years. Most young die the first year. |
| Mating
Season |
January through June. |
|
Litter Size |
Up to 15. Born blind and hairless
after a 13day gestation period. Young must travel to the pouch
immediately after birth remaining there for 7 to 8 weeks.
Juveniles often noticed riding on the mothers back. |
|
Litters Per Year |
2 to 3. With dispersal being local.
|
|
Dispersal |
Live locally. |
|
Habitat |
Rural, suburban and urban
environments. Any place shelter is available. Woodlots, fields and
farms. |
|
Activity Cycle |
Typically nocturnal. Not uncommon to
be out during morning and evenings. |
|
Food |
Almost everything. They are the Billy
goat of the wild. Scavengers. Cat and dog food left out on
porches, compost bins, trashcans. |
|
Damage Signs |
Torn down insulation in crawlspace and
under modular homes. Knocked over refuse containers. Fecal matter,
trampled insulation. |
|
Treatment |
Trap and remove problem animals,
exclude from structures and remove tempting food sources.
|
|
Diseases |
|
|
Distinguishing Features |
Gray to white fur, long pointed snout,
pink nose, hand like feet, noticeable ears, and a round scaly
hairless tail. |
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