Opossum facts pdf free

Opossums have five toes on each foot and a tail with no fur. Though a relative of the kangaroo, opossums are much slower. The most notable is the virginia opossum or common opossumthe only marsupial pouched mammal. Opossums may give birth to as many as 20 babies in a litter, but fewer than half of them survive. The opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, found in the u. Along the way, we learned facts such as when the battle. Jess grew up in oklahoma before moving to new york to become a writer. Opossums have prehensile tails and opposable big toes. Find opossum stock images in hd and millions of other royalty free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the shutterstock collection. They are light gray in color and basically look like big rats.

With long, brown or gray hair and a long, scaly tail, opossums can also give off a repulsive, musklike odor. The size of a large cat, opossums are the only marsupial found in north america. The opossum helps keep neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden. Opossums are the only marsupial found in north america. What makes an opossum unusual, and what are some facts about. The opossum is often called possum, leaving off the o old world possums and new world opossums are not closely related. For more information about opossums or other horticultural topics, feel free to contact us. Find out cute facts about possums that will change your mind about the animals. Opossums are mostly immune to rabies, and in fact, they are eight times less likely to carry rabies compared to wild dogs. Though they arent picky about where they hang out, opossums love trees. In fact, between 2004 and 2014 there were only 25 cases of. With its odd looks, clueless demeanor and taste for trashcan fare, the opossum is widely considered to be only a halfrung above a rat on the. The common opossum and virginia opossum are found in the united states, mexico, central america, south america and canada. There are several dozen different species of opossum, which are often called possums in north america.

The female carries and nurses her young in her marsupium until they are about 2 to 3 months old. Another interesting fact about opossums is that these solitary creatures have been. Pdf on jan 1, 2005, william j krause and others published the opossum. Commonly known as possums, these pests are the only marsupial native to the united states. After they leave the pouch, young opossums often hitch a ride. They live in many parts of the united states with the exception of the rockies, western plains and parts of the northern region.

North americas only marsupial female has a pouch mammal. They are closely related to the kangaroo and koala. Opossums provide free pest control services by eating all kinds of bugs, small snakes, mice, dead birds killed by cats, and even baby rats. To donate by mail please make check or money order payable to. The opossum is not a rodent, it is a marsupial like a kangaroo. They are omnivores, eating almost anything, live in a wide variety of habitats, and have many adaptations including a pouch. Possums are generally regarded as pests when folks find them lurking in their yard or near their homes in the middle. Opossums usually live alone and are only active at night. Educational materials opossum society of the united states. Because of this behavior, which is in fact a bluff, the opossum is. Opossum facts, behavior and habitat mother earth news. Did you know that opossums are north americas only marsupial.