Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Didelphimorphia · Didelphidae

About

The Virginia opossum, also known as the North American opossum, is a member of the opossum family found from southern Canada to northern Costa Rica, making it the northernmost marsupial in the world. Commonly referred to simply as the possum, it is a solitary nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and a successful opportunist.

Fun Fact

Virginia opossums don't actually 'play dead' voluntarily — when overwhelmed by fear, they enter an involuntary catatonic state, going limp and even producing a foul smell from their anal glands to deter predators.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Forests and suburban areas

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

2-4 years

Threats

Illegal Logging
Wildfire

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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