Opossum

scientific name

Didelphis marsupalis

size

Body Length. 10-16"
Tail Length. ~10"
Weight. 6-12 lbs.

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. gray fur " coarse white & black guard hairs " pink ears & mouth " pouch (masupium)
Ears. susceptible to frostbite
Tail. prehensile " naked " scaly
Toes. susceptible to frostbite " opposable big toe

behavior

arboreal " nocturnal
Defense. may play "possum" when frightened " more often tries to frighten attacker by hissing & showing teeth
Group. solitary
Hibernation. does not hibernate

reproduction/life span

Life span. 3-5 yrs.
Maturity. 1 yrs.
Breeding. Feb & mid-summer
Gestation. 12 days
Offspring. up to 20 " only 13 nipples " young born size of bee " leave mothers pouch after 100 days " ride on mothers back

diet

omnivore " scavenger
Wild. carrion (natural scavenger), fruit, nuts, insects, & small invertebrates
Zoo. carnivore diet, apples, bananas, fish, & rabbit parts

habitat/range

wooded areas near water " range expanding " North, Central, & South America " not native to Pacific Northwest

status

common

other

only marsupial native to North America " unlike most marsupials flourishing because " it is very adaptable (varied diet), breeds rapidly, natural enemies declining, & its ability to feign death (possible state of shock) " #1 enemy = cars " brought to the Pacific Northwest during Great Depression as food

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs