Virginia Opossum

Description

Virginia opossums are short bodied marsupials. Their fur is generally grey, but can vary between reddish, brown and even black tones, with longer, white-tipped hairs. Their faces are a pale, greyish white. Their ears are large and they have a long, hairless prehensile tail that they use as an extra limb.

Ethology

Virginia opossums can have up to 3 litters per year. They have a very short gestation period of 12 to 13 days, where 20 to 30 joeys are usually born, of which only 13 will survive, as the mother only has 13 teats, to which the joeys must remain attached for 50 to 70 days. Afterwards, they will climb onto their mother’s back until they are almost 4 months old. 

Curiosities

They are solitary and nocturnal animals. Virginia opossums are famous for entering a catatonic state when they are alarmed. The animal is immobilised and secretes a strong odour. This behaviour is rare. They normally show their teeth and maintain their position or run away.