Opossum

Presentation

The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a medium-sized marsupial, the only representative of this group present in North America. It is distinguished by its pointed snout, its prehensile hairless tail and its bristly grayish coat. An opportunistic and nocturnal animal, it has adapted well to proximity to humans, particularly in peri-urban areas. Its reputation as an effective scavenger makes it a useful ally for limiting ticks and small pests. Opossum has 50 teeth, a record among North American land mammals. Its prehensile tail serves as support for climbing and carrying nest materials. It has an opposable thumb on the rear legs, making it easier to grip the branches.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Opossum frequents forests, humid wooded areas, meadows and peri-urban environments. It appreciates the proximity of water points and areas offering dense plant cover for hiding. Its capacity for adaptation also allows it to colonize gardens and the surroundings of human habitations.

Behaviour

Solitary and nocturnal, the Opossum is active mainly at nightfall. When faced with danger, it can adopt a thanatosis behavior, freezing by imitating a dead animal. It climbs trees skillfully using its prehensile tail and claws, although it spends much of its time on the ground.

Reproduction

The female has a marsupial pouch where the young, born very immature after a short gestation of around 12 to 13 days, continue their development. A litter can number up to twenty newborns, but only those reaching a teat survive, the number of teats being limited. The young then remain attached to the mother's back before becoming independent around the age of four to five months.

Peculiarities

Opossum is the only marsupial living naturally in North America. Its low body temperature makes it less receptive to the rabies virus. It also has notable resistance to snake venoms thanks to a specific blood protein.

Threats and conservation

The species is not globally threatened and its populations are considered stable. Major local threats include road collisions and predation by domestic dogs. Habitat loss linked to urbanization may affect some local populations.

References

Profile updated 26 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.