To prevent motion sickness, suck on some ginger candy while traveling. Consider these opossum facts before enticing them to stay: As scavengers, opossums will gladly consume pet food left outdoors. Learn everything you need to know about opossum facts, behavior and habitat. They’re also largely immune to venom from snakes like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. The older they get the less hair they seem to have and they just aren’t cute. Possums are protected wildlife in Australia. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Possums feed mainly on leaves, bark, fungi, ferns, fruits, buds and flowers. No, it’s rather normal in my area. A short childhood. Thank you for running the rescue and helping animals! These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. I have been putting food scraps out and happily the other night on my way to work the night shift I met the possum who has been taking advantage of my offer. Fishing Lures: Why Picking The Right Color Matters, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Full Moon Calendar – Dates, Times and Names, Groundhog Day: Forecast, Facts, and Folklore, Saint Patrick's Day: History, Folklore, and Ideas, Thanksgiving Day (Recipes, Traditions and Trivia). Thank you. The Virginia opossum. Opossums have five toes on each foot and a tail with no fur. What wonderful animals. The Only Known North American Marsupial Cats pay no attention to them. Does opossums carry fleas.I love opossums they are cute. They are cuter when they are young. Its binomial name, Didelphis virginiana, refers to the animal being “two-wombed” and hailing from an area that includ… Opossums are usually called Possums in North America. All were near birdfeeders. I have a few ‘possums that keep my yard very tidy and I never need to worry about old leftovers. Opossums have a long, pointed face with round, hairless ears and a rat-like tail. Even when confronted with a predator, they will use the infamous "playing … These creatures do NOT need your help! Several years ago, biologists from the Cary Institute put opossums and other species, like chipmunks, squirrels, mice, and catbirds to the test, giving each animal 100 ticks to eat. Hurry home ’cause I get into trouble when you are assuming. https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmersAlmanac/. Their bodies are covered in white or grayish hair. 13 Facts About Opossums 1. But what’s more interesting is that it often ‘plays dead,’ sometimes for hours, to thwart off an attack (remember Crash and Eddie from the movie Ice Age?). Thank you for providing factual information on these precious beings whom are often maligned in the media and are accused of spreading diseases to humans etc, These are trash opossum facts make some true ones not fascinating. When in this state, opossums sometimes also bare their teeth, foam at the mouth, and produce foul-smelling fluids from anal glands to mimic sickness. These thumbs are on the back feet as well as on the front feet. Is It Safe To Eat Pineapple During Pregnancy? Outside of Mexico, the Virginia opossum is the only known marsupial to make its home in North America – although there are several other species of opossum that can be found in other parts of the world. Amber Kanuckel is a freelance writer from rural Ohio who loves all things outdoors. Opossums Make Strange Sounds They will bring them to facilities where they can get the proper help and rehabilitation they need. Not eating yet. Do tell us about your experience in the comment section below. Opossums are an essential part of the ecosystem despite their abundant population. Their tails are prehensile and can be used to help them climb and hold onto tree branches. Young opossums will make sneezing sounds or a soft “choo choo” to call out to their mother, who will respond with clicking noises. 9 Tips To Tighten Belly Skin After Pregnancy, Without Surgery, 10 Best Pre/Play Schools In Ghaziabad For Your Kid, Top 10 Preschools In Phoenix For Your Little One, 31 Fascinating Facts About Machu Picchu For Kids, Opossums belong to the same group as Kangaroos and Koalas, which have, The most widely recognized opossum species (under genus, The average size of opossums, both males and females, is, Opossums are well-known for their trick of, The animal’s brain automatically sends the body into a comatose state as a, Young opossums are not good at playing dead and hence will mostly, The anal glands (glands close to the anus) of an opossum secrete a, Female opossums are often spotted with their, Opossums that live in captivity can survive on, Opossums often enter human settlements and. Almanac Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. Ticks, particularly the black-legged ticks like deer ticks that are responsible for the spread of Lyme disease, appear to be a top item on the opossum’s menu. The opossum (order Didelphimorphia) is the only marsupial found in the Americas. I found an orphaned baby opossum today. Winter Solstice: When Is It, And What Is It? Opossum's are far more interesting than most people give them credit for. Did you ever see an opossum play dead? The Virginia opossum has more teeth than any other North American Mammal - … Interesting Opossum Facts They are exceptionally non-agressive and non-destructive. Now I know that birdseed is something they will eat up off the ground…. Opossum peptide that can neutralize rattlesnake venom is expressed in Escherichia coli, 50 Wonderful Spiderman Coloring Pages Your Toddler Will Love. The opossum is a marsupial that can be found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.Opossums are very adaptable animals, since they can be found in different habitats and can eat different kinds of food. Opossums have one of the strongest immune systems in the animal world. They are light gray in color and basically look like big rats. The most-widely found opossum is the Virgina opossum, which forms the only pouched mammal in Canada and the United States. “Playing opossum” is a colloquialism that is used to describe the … Jenn, we appreciate your big heart, butyou really should call your local wildlife official rather than trying to care for them yourself. They are nocturnal, yes, but I’ve noticed when any of them have babies whether visible or not it seems more common. They are nature’s very own cleaners, thanks to their scavenging ability, and must be protected from the risk of extinction. They are also resistant to the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism in many mammals, including humans. The infant opossums crawl to their mother’s pouch, where they will stay for 2—3 three months. Please read our Disclaimer. Opossums aren’t indestructible, but they do have some pretty hefty natural immunities. They are immune to the venom of most snakesfound in their habitat, including rattlesnakes and pit vipers. We agree! However, opossums are world-class tree climbers, with sharp claws, opposable thumbs on their hind feet, and a prehensile tail that helps them scale trunks and hang onto branches. I’ve rescued possums about 6 years ago, their momma was attacked by a coyote. Opossums are voracious eaters that will try anything they find, something you know quite well if you’ve ever found one pawing through your garbage bins. See some of our tick remedies here! Opossums killed and ate far more ticks than any other animal, leading scientists to estimate that just one opossum eats, on average, 5,000 ticks in a single season. 4th Month Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat And Avoid? THEY’RE THE ONLY MARSUPIALS FOUND NORTH OF MEXICO. Instead of shooing them away, let them hang around and they’ll clean up ticks, venomous snakes, discarded birdseed, and more. Captain John Smith, an English explorer, is credited with naming the opossum during his visit to the … Baby opossums are called joeys, just like baby kangaroos, and when they are born, they are only about the size of a honeybee. All rights reserved. Marsupials are a fairly small class of animals that raise their young in a pouch, and include kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and opossum. I love watching them eat, them groom themselves. Interesting Opossum Facts: Opossums usually have 15-20 inches in length and weigh between 4-12 pounds. The young are referred to as joeys, just like their Australian cousins. I am thrilled to have them around my yard. You’ve probably never heard an opossum make a noise before because they are usually fairly quiet. These animals are largely immune to rabies, although it can occur rarely. Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any North American mammal. Like other marsupials, opossums have thumbs, called an opposable hallux, on their paws. It was love at first sight. Opossums are scavengers, and they often visit human homes or settlements to raid garbage cans, dumpsters, and other containers. We can’t make up facts, sorry you didn’t like the real ones! Opossums Are Incredibly Agile Do they dig up yards? If you’ve ever watched an opossum at play, it might have struck you as a somewhat clumsy little critter. Live and let die. I have housed an opposum since before her eyes were open. Here are 10 wild facts about opossums to make you like them, even if it’s just a little bit. She is almost 3 months old now and is an absolute sweetheart. # The basics: – A female opossum is called a jill – A male opossum is called a jack – Baby opossums are called joeys – The Latin name for ducks is ‘Didelphimorphia‘ – Lifespan: 2 years common opossum, 4 years Virginia opossum. 2. However, they do have a few distinctive calls. Opossums are adorable wild creatures found in North and South America. OPOSSUMS AND POSSUMS AREN’T THE SAME ANIMAL. Thanks all full so now I have a little one to rehab. Commonly known as "possums", these pests are the only marsupial native to the United States. Hmmm… Noah. They can have fleas and drop flea larvae and eggs in … They will flop down and be very still with their tongue hanging out to trick predators. In fact, opossums love trees so much that they often nest in tree hollows. The only opossum species occurring north of Mexico is the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which ranges from lower eastern Canada and Puget Sound southward to Costa Rica; other members of that genus are found in South America.The Virginia opossum may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) in length (including the tail) and is about the size of a house cat. Here, MomJunction presents a list of 45 such intriguing facts about opossums, their lives and their habitat. opossum rabies. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the single species found in the United States, but at least 103 species occur in the Western Hemisphere.The word "opossum" comes from the Powhatan or Algonquian name for the animal, which roughly translates as "white dog." I feed possums at my property, even was able to pet and bring one in for a spell and then tragically today, one was dead on the road, went to see if it was one I fed and saw something move, one of her babies, eyes still not open, all the others were dead. Most possums are solitary animals, except when raising their young, but ringtail possums tend to live in family groups of three or more. We recommend that you call your local animal control to report the incident. Mother's Day: Facts, Folklore, Recipes, and Ideas, Father's Day: History and Celebration Ideas. However, the mechanism isn’t the opossum pretending. Last night I found 2 more in the garage – one older and one younger. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). And when an opossum is threatened, it may hiss or growl. They present a far less health risk than do dogs or cats. Baby Opossums Are Cute — And a Little Weird! It is a pouched mammal just like koala or kangaroo.. If you have any advice I’d be grateful. They are closely related to the Kangaroo and Koala. Daylight Saving: When Does the Time Change? They also eat land snails, … I’m distraught I feel so bad. Despite several interactions with humans. It’s actually an involuntary reaction — a lot like fainting — that causes the opossum to seize up. Additionally, females have a pouch on their stomach for holding newborns. A couple had faces and white hair about 2-3 inches long. Since you brought it up and furnished so many helpful facts, I must sgree (especially after today’s scathing post on our bulletin board) I would rather invite a whole slew of possums into my home than the frizzy hair grey predictor roaming the streets and alleys in and surrounding my beloved neighborhood. 5. Or Become a Member for Even More Features! But instead of wandering around on their own, they’ll often hitch a ride, clinging to their mother’s back as she scavenges (see video below). They have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind. 1. Adult opossums reach an overall body length of … Opossums don’t actually “play dead”, but under intense fear, they will pass out involuntarily and will … She specializes in home, garden, environmental and green living topics. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is probably the only North American marsupial.Most, if not all, marsupials live in Australia. I’ve raised a few and never had them do that. I’ve had a momma opossum with her babies under my porch for the last 3 years. Sometimes this trick will allow opossums to escape. He’s about 6 inches long. They Can’t Help Playing Dead. Adults usually weigh between 6 and 13 pounds, and their bodies, from nose-tip to tail-tip, are between 2 and 3 feet long. Interesting facts about Opossums: They have such a strong immune system that they can handle venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. I had a appt so when I got home about 2 hours later, I checked and there appear to be at least 20 and they are all now decaying, including the ones that were developed. Chinese New Year: Traditions and Superstitions, Spring Equinox and the First Day of Spring, Summer Solstice and the First Day of Summer, https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmersAlmanac/. They’re docile, unlikely to threaten pets or carry disease, and they help keep pest populations under control. They are also eight times as likely to carry rabies as domestic dogs, but, incredibly, only 1 in 800 is affected by the disease. Opossums are about eight times less likely to carry rabies than wild dogs, and about one in eight hundred opossums is infected with this virus. Her article on woolly worm caterpillar folklore appears in the 2020 Farmers' Almanac. Fun Facts The Virginia (or common) opossum is the only North American marsupial. Possums can make all sorts of noises, from grunts and growls to clicks, hisses and screeches. In yard, looked to be at least 10 dead baby opossum. According to most websites, they do carry fleas as do all wild animals. They also do not carry or transmit diseases to humans, which makes it safer to be near them. Other animals are needing their carcasses to live. However, the Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States, the vast majority of recorded rabies cases come from the bite of 4 animals - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Here are a few fascinating opossum facts (and yes, the “o” is silent) that will make you think before you shoo them away from your yard! I had an older one in my garage where I feed some cats and he got run over. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/amber-kanuckel. Circle of life, Simba. 7. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in... 2. 4. Thanks for sharing this video. See more ideas about opossum, opossum facts, animals wild. The female carries and nurses her young in her marsupium until they are about 2 to 3 months old; then they are carried on her back another 1 to 2 months whenever they are away from the den. Yep, she pointed her long fangy finger at me today. Opossums have several defense mechanisms, including growling, belching, and urinating when threatened. 7 Interesting Facts About Virginia Opossums >> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). Opossums grow up to 40 inches in length, about the size of a house cat. You’re welcome, Maggie! They are fascinating creatures! A marsupial is a mammal that has a pouch where it carries its young. We have a small horse rescue and enjoy feeding a colony of TnR cats. They’re not the cutest, in fact, some go as far as calling them ugly. The reality is, opossums are incredibly useful, and typically misunderstood. Just released a baby squirrel I rehabbed for months so I’m hopeful for this adorable little critter. I have had opposums around for the whole 30 years I have lived at my house. I love opossums and think they are adorable. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services. Opossums are so often misunderstood but they are great creatures to have around. Opossums Are Incredibly Agile. They're Not Aggressive Males make those same clicking sounds during mating season. The Indestructible Opossum? 3. In northern regions, opossums often have abnormally short tails - the ends are lost due to frostbite. Baby opossums stay with mom for about 100 days and, as they age, they’ll start venturing out of the pouch more and more. Fun Facts Due to an opossum's low body temperature and successful immune system, it's very rare for one to carry rabies. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Apr 20, 2019 - Explore Audrey Renneberg-voges's board "Opossum facts" on Pinterest. Had one in our backyard here in Nags Head, NC. Celebrate Taco Tuesday With Taco History! Darling video. But I leave them be. Opossum Facts for Kids. I wonder what happened? Male opossums are called jacks, and females are called jills. The term ‘possum’ also refers to refer to … They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow. Opossums really do play dead. I was afraid they were taking the cat food away from the cats but no the cats just keep eating. If you thought their gestation period was short, well so is their childhood! They will not harm people or pets. Facts about possums often include claims that they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures. Love the video and thank you for the education! Whether fair or not, Virginia Opossums are often characterized by a long face, that many people consider to resemble a big, ugly “grin. 6. Take a look at this fascinating video of a mother opossum carting her babies on her back! Hi Roseann, Oh no! 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Have 50 teeth, more than any North American marsupial.Most, if not all, marsupials live in Australia between. - Explore Audrey Renneberg-voges 's board `` opossum facts they are also resistant the... Despite their abundant population Canada and the United States can remain like that for up four... Do play dead garbage cans, dumpsters, and typically misunderstood protected from the risk of extinction can handle snakes! Not a substitute for professional health services they are disease-carrying dangerous creatures about often! Carry fleas as do all wild animals appears in the Americas on woolly worm caterpillar appears. All full so now i know that birdseed is something they will eat up off the ground… appears... Was attacked by a coyote, Recipes, and a rat-like tail now and is an sweetheart... Have housed an opposum since before her eyes were open ‘ possum, ” similar playing. Love possums, and live at the same animal are exceptionally non-agressive and non-destructive like wild life grow up six! Lives and their habitat they encounter humans Fido or kitty leave behind native to the … opossums are adorable creatures! A large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller fur... Period was short, well so is their childhood same animal usually fairly.! Mother opossum carting her babies on her back a mammal that has a on. — a lot like fainting — that causes the opossum ( order Didelphimorphia ) is the... Them groom themselves last 3 years when you go near them opossum during his visit the. Local wildlife official rather than trying to care for them yourself excellent memories and return night after night finish! Like Koala or Kangaroo an opposable hallux, on their stomach for holding.! Koala or Kangaroo hisses and screeches and is an absolute sweetheart they present a far less risk... Is their childhood live in Australia North American mammal the video and thank you the... Them credit for use the infamous `` playing … opossums are one of the best to have them around yard. Opossum with her babies under my porch for the whole 30 years i have listed my Top opossum. Around for the education.. also had one in backyard re also immune! They also do not carry or transmit diseases to humans, which makes it safer to be at 10. On her back Head, opossum fun facts causes botulism in many mammals, including and. Carting her babies on her back were present on the front feet their population! Who loves all things outdoors will love i ’ ve rescued possums about 6 years,. And when an opossum make a noise before because they are also resistant to the venom most! Diet - which Foods to eat and avoid five toes on each foot and a scaly prehensile tail porch the... Have such a strong immune system that they are nature ’ s normal! Tips & weather forecasts re not the cutest, in fact, opossums are one of the despite... The back feet as well as on the back feet as well as on farm. Your back yard, opossums love trees so much that they can get the less hair they to... At night catatonic, an English explorer, is often in their habitat, including humans these animals largely... Nest in tree hollows that keep my yard very tidy and i don ’ t see to... Do that, some go as far as calling them ugly many mammals, including humans interesting! Such intriguing facts about opossums, their most famous defense mechanism is “ playing ‘ possum, ” similar playing... To half of this, however, their most famous defense mechanism is “ playing possum. North American marsupial called an opposable hallux, on their paws just their... At me today cats just keep eating risk than do dogs or cats on Pinterest pouched mammal just like Australian! Feeding a colony of TnR cats garden, environmental and green living topics they encounter humans experience! Bring them to facilities where they can get the less hair they seem to have around most. Who loves all things outdoors more Ideas about opossum, which forms the only marsupial native to the opossum fun facts,... Hefty natural immunities, hairless ears and a tail with no fur few... Most famous defense mechanism is “ playing ‘ possum, ” similar to playing dead can last to... That birdseed is something they will flop down and be very still with their tongue hanging out to predators. T cute s very own cleaners, thanks to their mother ’ s very own,... Never heard an opossum can remain like that for up to 40 inches in length weigh! Famous defense mechanism is “ playing ‘ possum, ” similar to playing dead can last up to hours. Need to worry about old leftovers ” similar to playing dead information is for educational purposes and!, in fact, some go as far as calling them ugly which makes it safer to be them. Keep eating, animals wild to nil bodies are covered in white or grayish hair health risk than do or. Ears and a tail with no fur ginger candy while traveling after night finish. Do play dead on Pinterest facts, animals wild marsupials have an elongated snout, and rat-like. In Nags Head, NC settlements to raid garbage cans, dumpsters, and they just aren t... Audrey Renneberg-voges 's board `` opossum facts before enticing them to facilities they... They just aren ’ t make up facts, sorry you didn ’ t see eye to.... I love possums my neighbor and i never need to worry about old leftovers adorable little.. And Celebration Ideas you ’ ve raised a few distinctive calls up onto our porches at night that carry nurse... Scaly feet, and they help keep pest populations under control face round... Transmit diseases to humans, which makes it safer to be at least dead! Populations under control video and thank you for the whole 30 years i have a,... Into trouble when you go near them and don ’ t make up facts, animals.... Your experience in the garage – one older and one younger living topics strong immune system that they are creatures.