Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana
Identification
This marsupial has gray fur a pointed face and a hairless prehensile tail. It has many sharp teeth.
Location
Common statewide
Size
4 to 14 pounds
Diet
It feeds on fruits insects carrion and small animals.
Habitat
It occurs in forests suburbs and farmlands.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It is nocturnal and solitary and may feign death when threatened. It is active year round but less active in extreme cold.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in late winter and young develop in the pouch.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has expanded its range northward over time.
Human Interactions
It often scavenges near human dwellings.
Facts
It is the only marsupial in North America.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Fruits insects carrion small animals | Forests suburbs farmlands | Statewide