Virginia Opossum
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Didelphimorphia Family: Didelphidae Genus: Didelphis
Species: Didelphis virginiana
Living in a variety of habitats, the Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial (a mammal that raises its young in a pouch) on the Regents Campus. Because it is ill-equipped for extreme winter weather, it often takes shelter in man-made structures which is why it is sometimes found inside of houses or in basements. Despite common rumors, the Virginia Opossum rarely carries rabies since it is highly resistant due to its ability to lower its body temperature more than other mammals. On occasion, the Virginia Opossum has been seen on the Regents Campus in trees in the middle of the day for unknown reasons. If harassed, it will either flee or take a stand by bearing its teeth, hissing, drooling, and snapping while its fur stands on end to make it look bigger. If injured or overwhelmed by fear, it may “play possum” and fake its death by lying motionless, letting its tongue hang out, reducing its breathing so that it is barely detectable, and making its heart beat only half as often as usual.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Dull, greyish-brown fur; furless tail; white face
Size: Ranges from 13 to 22 inches in length
Diet: Opportunistic feeders; diet includes vertebrates, invertebrates, carrion, fruits, and seeds
Habitat: Woodland thickets, woodlands, or urban areas, usually near water
Credit source: Animal Diversity Web
