The Opossum
The Opossum belongs to a primitive group of mammals known as marsupials.Opossums are relatives of the Kangaroos, Wombats, and Koalas found in Australia.The Opossum is the only marsupial found in the United States.In Southeast Georgia, they can be found in almost any wooded area.
Opossums are a dull gray color and have a pinkish looking nose on a long snout with vicious looking teeth (Opossums have 50 teeth) and ears that are black. The opossums' tail has no hair and is used to wrap around tree limbs and can support its entire weight.
Opossums will eat almost anything. They will feed on insects, worms , nuts , bird eggs, plants and even other dead animals.They will den in logpiles, wind rows, hollow trees or any place that is dry and handy. They are nocturnal animals, feeding primarily at night. They like to wander along graded roads and highways searching for a meal. Unfortunately , a good number wind up as road kill.
If threatened , The Opossum will growl and hiss and show his teeth. If the threat continues, it will lie down and pretend to be dead. This is where the phrase "Playing Possum" originates.
The female Opossum can have up to 2 litters of eight to twelve young per year.Less than one out of ten will survive longer than one year. Of those that do, they will probably live to two to three years.
Related Opposum Links
