Opossums

Opossums are the only marsupials that live in North America. They have gray fur, pink noses, and long tails. Opossums are about the size of a house cat. They are best known for pretending to be dead when they get scared.

Playing Dead

When an opossum is very scared, it falls over and plays dead. Its body goes stiff and its tongue hangs out. It even smells bad to trick predators. This trick is called 'playing possum.' The opossum cannot control this. It happens because of fear, like fainting.

Helpful Animals

Opossums are very helpful to people and nature. They eat many bugs, including ticks that carry diseases. One opossum can eat thousands of ticks in just one week. They also eat dead animals and rotting fruit, which keeps yards cleaner. Baby opossums, called joeys, ride in their mother's pouch and then on her back.

Fun Facts

• Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other land mammal in North America.
• They have prehensile tails that can hold onto tree branches.
• Opossums are mostly immune to snake venom.

Did You Know?

Opossums are one of the oldest mammal groups on Earth. Their ancestors lived during the time of the dinosaurs millions of years ago.