Opossum

scientific name

Didelphis marsupalis

size/weight/height

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

adaptation/coloration

Color: gray fur • coarse white & black guard hairs • pink ears & mouth
Ears: susceptible to frostbite
Toes: susceptible to frostbite • opposable big toe
Pouch: masupium
Tail: prehensile • naked • scaly

behavior

arboreal • nocturnal • solitary
Defense: may play "possum" when frightened • more often tries to frighten attacker by hissing & showing teeth
Food: scavenger
Hibernate: does not hibernate
Intelligence: some recent scientific literature places with cat and dog

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: 3 - 5 yrs.
Breeding Season: February & mid-summer
Gestation: 12 days
Birth: up to 20 • only 13 nipples • born size of bee
Young: leave mother’s pouch after 100 days • ride on mother’s back
Maturity: 1 year

diet

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

habitat/range

urban and wooded areas near water • North America • range expanding • not native to Pacific Northwest

status

common

other

only marsupial native to North America • unlike most marsupials, it's flourishing because it is very adaptable (varied diet), breeds rapidly, natural enemies are 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