17 Jul Opossum Facts. The opossum is an effective scavenger, as a result of its adaptability and exceptional system that is immune.
Regarding the 100+ opossum species on the planet, the most typical and familiar in the us could be the Virginia opossum. Below, explore details about the Virginia opossum including its practices and exactly how to spot harm.
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General Opossum Facts
Scientific Name regarding the Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana
Normal Size: 21-36" long (including end); 4-15 pounds.
Average Lifespan in the great outdoors: 1-2 years
Distinguishing Features: cat-sized human body; grey fur with a white face; long pointy snout; circular dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; very long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of the total human anatomy size.
"Playing Possum"
When threatened or harmed, these pets will "play possum", mimicking the look and odor of an ill or animal that is dead. The lips are drawn straight back, teeth are bared, saliva foams across the lips, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted through the anal glands. {Even though word “play” This defense mechanism is actually a completely involuntary and automatic physiological response to danger although the word “play” suggests a conscious act.
Many hurt opossums are killed by well-meaning individuals who find a animal that is catatonic assume the worst. The thing that is best to accomplish upon finding an injured or evidently dead opossum would be to keep it in a quiet destination with an obvious exit course. In minutes or hours, the opossum will regain consciousness and escape quietly on unique.
Opossum Geography
Virginia opossums inhabit Central America and also the eastern half the usa, in addition to elements of the west coast, where opossums had simply been introduced through the Great Depression.