Recently, this Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) has been visiting our backyard in search of fruit, especially nectarines.
Although it might be hard to tell from the picture, this is a small Opossum, with a body length (not including the tail) of only about 6-7 inches. From information we can find, an Opossum this size is about 5-6 months old, and probably left its mother fairly recently.
A few Opossum facts:
- Opossums are currently the only marsupial found in the United States, but millions of years ago there were many other types of marsupials living here.
- Amazingly, when an Opossum is born, it's only ~14 mm long (smaller than a dime)!
- An Opossum spends ~1-2 months in its mother's pouch, and then another 1-2 months hanging on to her back.
Oh, how I love possums! When the youngsters come to visit, it's such fun.
ReplyDeleteAlthough a lot of people don't think so, I think that possums are pretty cute. I once had a little guy spend a few nights in my house until I started closing the kitty door at 4 in the afternoon. He/she really made himself/herself at home!!
ReplyDeleteCarol