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Animal profile

Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

MammaliaWoodland, farmland, wetland edges and suburbs across a wide climatic rangeLeast Concern

Field profile

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America north of Mexico. It is a nocturnal omnivore with a prehensile tail, opposable hind toes and fifty teeth. It thrives near people, eating fruit, carrion, insects and refuse.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-01-11

Virginia Opossum

Playing dead is not a choice for opossums

An opossum confronted by a predator can enter an involuntary catatonic state, going limp with the mouth open and releasing a foul green fluid from its anal glands. The animal does not decide to do this and cannot end it on cue.

Read with evidence →

Virginia Opossum | Daily Animal Facts