Facts
Opossums are marsupials.
Opossums are the only marsupials that are native to North America.
They were present on the Earth at the same time as the dinosaurs.
Opossums are about 15-20 inches in length
Opossums weigh between 4-12 pounds.
There are 110 different types of opossums.
Opossums have 50 teeth more than other mammal.
An opossum’s tail makes up 1/3 of its body length.
Their body is normally covered with white-grayish fur.
They have poor eyesight and sense of hearing.
Opossums have a lifespan of two to four years.
Female opossums are called jills.
Male opossums are called jacks.
Baby opossums are called joeys.
At birth, they are small as honeybees.
One litter usually consists of 20 babies.
The mother carries her babies on her back during the hunt.
The young are weaned between 70 and 125 days.
Group of opossums is called a “passel”.
Opossums eat dead animals, insects, rodents and birds.
They also feed on eggs, frogs, plants, fruits and grain.
They will also eat dog food, cat food and human food waste.
Opossums can eliminate up to 5,000 ticks in a season.
Opossums are nocturnal animals
Opossums can survive bites of poisonous snakes.
Opossums can play dead for up to four hours to avoid capture or death.
