The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial, a cat-sized animal with a pointed face and naked tail. Adaptable and opportunistic, it thrives in suburbs and farmland.
Interesting facts
- It is the only marsupial native to North America north of Mexico.
- Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal.
- Newborns are about the size of a honeybee and crawl into the pouch.
- Their tails are prehensile and help them climb.
- Opossums have some resistance to rattlesnake venom.
- Their relatively low body temperature may explain why they rarely carry rabies.
Behaviour
Opossums are solitary and nocturnal. They wander widely and eat almost anything, helping to clean up carrion and fallen fruit.
Breeding and young
After only about 12–13 days, females give birth to many tiny young, of which up to about 13 can attach to teats in the pouch. They later ride on their mother’s back.
Threats and conservation
The species is common, although many are killed on roads.
Where to see it
- Suburbs and farmland across the eastern United States at night
- Parks and forest edges in the Midwest and South
- Florida and Texas
- Wildlife rehabilitation centres
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
