SOUTHEASTERN STATES

Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Opossum Family
L 32"; T 15". Grizzled grayish (a few blackish), with mix of black underfur and longer white guard hairs. Head pointed; nose long; face white, with long whiskers; ears small, round, black with white tips. Legs short, black; feet have 5 digits each; hindfeet have opposable, grasping inner thumbs. Tail long and tapered, naked, pink with black base. Omnivorous: eats fruits, nuts, bird eggs, large insects, carrion. Hangs from branches using wraparound, prehensile tail. If surprised at close range, may "play possum" (play dead). Breeding: 1 - 14 (avg. 8) pea-size young attach themselves to nipples in mother's pouch for 2 months; 2 - 3 litters per year. Sign: Tracks: hindprint 2" wide, 3 middle toes close, outer toes well spread; foreprint slightly smaller, star-like. Habitat: Woods, watersides, farms, towns. Activity: Nocturnal; less active in cold weather.

PHOTO: Jack Dermid