30+ Virginia opossum info

Virginia Opossum. In fact it is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. At night it comes out of its hiding place and spends most of its time looking for food. The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. This New World species is correctly called an opossum as opposed to the Old World possum.

The sensitive whiskers around its face and muzzle help it feel its way in the dark. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Nov 11 2010 There are several dozen different species of opossum which are often called possums in North America. In fact it is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. 5611222429 When Europeans began to settle in North America the range of this species extended as far north as Ohio and West Virginia. These marsupials are great climbers.

Didelphis virginiana Opossums are related to kangaroos and other marsupials found in Australia.

Virginia opossums are robust marsupials with short legs and thick bodies. The sensitive whiskers around its face and muzzle help it feel its way in the dark. It prowls along the ground or climbs trees. Within their fur this species has long white tipped guard hairs. The Virginia opossum prefers wet areas such as swamps but is also found in forests farmland and developed areas such as cities and suburbs. This New World species is correctly called an opossum as opposed to the Old World possum. It does not hibernate in winter. The opossum has been around for at least 70 million years and is one of Earths oldest surviving mammals. It spends much of its time in trees and will live in dens in hollow logs tree cavities rock piles old nests and burrows and under decks and buildings. In the United States it is typically referred to simply as a possum. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns rummaging through garbage cans or as roadkill.