Common Opossum

Didelphis marsupialis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Didelphimorphia · Didelphidae

About

The common opossum, also called the northern black-eared opossum, is a species of marsupial living from the northeast of Mexico to Bolivia, including Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, where it is referred to as the manicou. The common opossum prefers forests, but can also be found in fields and cities.

Fun Fact

Common opossums are immune to the venom of pit vipers and routinely eat rattlesnakes and copperheads — a protein in their blood neutralizes the toxins, and researchers are studying it for potential human antivenom applications.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and urban areas

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

2-4 years

Threats

Deforestation
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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