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Virginia opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Virginia opossums are North America’s only native marsupial, carrying their underdeveloped babies in a pouch. With 50 teeth – the most of any U.S. mammal – they are well-equipped for an omnivorous diet that includes insects, small animals, plants, and even human food scraps.
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Opossums are nocturnal and highly adaptable – living in forests as well as urban and suburban areas.
They are generally nomadic, moving frequently rather than holding a fixed territory. They have prehensile tails and opposable thumbs for grasping, climbing, and carrying materials. Contrary to a common misconception, opossums do not hang from their tails.
These often misunderstood creatures are notorious for their emergency defense mechanism, “playing possum.” This trick is an involuntary response to a threat, and it’s an effective tool. Opossums don’t have to fight or run fast, they just need to appear dead and predators move on for a fresher meal.
Learn what to do if you find an injured, ill, or dead opossum from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab.