Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of North and South America in the late Cenozoic. The Virginia opossum is the only species found in the United States and Canada.
Contrary to popular belief, having possums nearby can actually be beneficial! Sure, they can admittedly be pretty jarring to look at — especially when you shine a light at them and make their...
What are opossums. Are they dangerous. Where & how long do they live. What do they eat. Learn their size, skeleton, predators, sounds, & their differences with possum.
Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America as the “o” tends to be silent in everyday speech. An opossum (left) and a possum (right).
Despite its appearance, the opossum is not related to the rat. In fact, the opossum is a marsupial, or “pouched” mammal, and is therefore related to other marsupials such as the kangaroo and the koala. Like kangaroos and koalas, infant opossums stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop.
Opossums have adapted to a variety of habitats, but, being largely arboreal, they are absent from treeless dry areas. Their dens are often found in a hollow tree or under stumps and roots.
Learn about the differences between possums and opossums, including where each lives, physical and behavioral characteristics, and how to get rid of each.
There are several dozen different species of opossums in North America. The best known species is the Virginia opossum or common opossum, the only marsupial found in the United States and Canada. The other species are mainly found in Mexico. The Virginia opossum is commonly found in forested areas, although its habitat can vary greatly.