Opossum

Opossums (Didelphimorphia) are the largest marsupials in the Western Hemisphere. They are also called "possums" out of convenience.
After Virginia Opossum was named the first animal possum in 1610. Possum has its roots in the word" aposoum "which means"white beast".

Possum Feed

Possums are omnivorous animals and have a very diverse diet. They feed on insects, frogs, birds, snakes, small mammals, Bream, etc.
They also eat fruit, or other food near the man's house or leftovers from their waste.

Possum Appearance

They are small to medium-sized marsupials with specimens the size of a mouse to specimens slightly larger than an ordinary house cat.
There are animals that live in trees, some species are omnivorous and others vegetarian. The incisors are very small, but the canines are large.
They use all their legs when moving. The opposable finger does not have a claw. Only females have marsupial. Possums have an enviable immune system.
This is seen against the venom of the Rattlesnake, for example, or other Vipers, to which it is partially immune or in some cases totally immune.
The chance of getting sick, if we were to compare it with a dog, is less than 800 times.

Possum Behavior

Possums are usually solitary, staying in an area as long as they find food and water easily accessible. They temporarily occupy abandoned burrows and make no effort to dig too much.
They are nocturnal animals and like all nocturnal animals prefer dark areas. These areas may be below ground level or not.
When they are in danger or feel threatened, they mimic the behavior of a sick or dead animal and spread a smell of death in the air. The lips are pulled back, the teeth pulled out and the bad smell is released by the anal glands.
Chicks can hang in the tail, adults not because they are too heavy. In defense, besides the teeth clearly displayed, they make a hiss to intimidate the enemy.

Possum Breeding

Like all marsupials possums have a reproductive cycle similar to that of kangaroos. Puppies are born early after a gestation period of only 12-14 days.
Once the Cubs are born, they must find their way to the marsupial. Sexual dimorphism is seen almost clearly from the beginning. Males are merrier, heavier, and have larger canines than females.
Couples mate several times. This increases the likelihood of fertilization.
Females give birth to a large number of Cubs, sometimes as many as 13, depending on the species. The chicks are itched after 70 to 125 days.
Life span is unusually short for a mammal of its size. Only 2 - 7 years.