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virginiana

The opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is the only (pouched ) native to . The opossum is not a native to Vermont, but a population has become established here. The opossum is mostly active at night, being what is referred to as ‘nocturnal.’ They are very good climbers and capable swimmers. These two skills help the opossum avoid predators. It is well known for faking death (also called ‘playing possum’) as another means of outwitting its enemies. The opossum adapts to a wide variety of habitats which has led to its widespread distribution throughout the .

Vermont Wildlife Fact Sheet

Physical Description breed every other areas near water sources. , having one litter every They have become very The of the Virginia two . Opossums reach common in urban, suburban, opossum is grayish white in the age of sexual maturity at 6 and farming areas. The color and covers the whole to 7 months. opossum is a wanderer and body except the ears and . does not stick to a specific They are about the size of a Food Items territory. The opossum uses large house , weighing abandoned , tree between 9 and 13 pounds and The opossum is an cavities, hollow logs, attics, having a body length of 24 to and an . garages, or building 40 inches. The opossum has a This means they have a foundations. , one which is varied diet of insects, worms, adapted for grasping and fruits, nuts, and carrion (dead hanging. ). They will also prey on small , voles, Life Cycle shrews, and moles. Opossums will feed at compost piles, Opossums breed in late garbage cans, and bird January to early July. The feeders as well. young are born from February through July. The Habitat young spend 60 days in the female’s . The litter size The opossum inhabits a varies from 5 to 13 young, wide variety of habitats. They with the average being 8. naturally prefer wooded

Vermont & Wildlife Department FW 1/2009 Opossum Fact Sheet ♦