Virginia Opossum
The opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is one of the world’s oldest living mammals and the only marsupial on our continent. Marsupials are born before they are well developed, compared to other mammals, and continue their growth and development in a pouch on their mother’s abdomen. Most members of the order Marsupialia are native to Australia and South America. Structurally, they have changed little for millions of years; the opossum’s relatives date back to the Cretaceous Period, 90 million years ago. However, the opossum didn’t appear in North America until the Pleistocene Epoch, less than a million years ago.
“Opossum” is derived from the Algonquin Indian word apasum, meaning “white animal.” A creature without specialized body structure or food preference, the opossum thrives in many settings. It is found throughout Pennsylvania, where it is classified as a furbearer.
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March 23rd, 2007 at 8:10 am
There is an opossum in a hedge in my back yard. It has been there for about 3 weeks now. It is just out of reach of our dog and she barks at it constantly. I have also have an 8 year old daughter and I am concerned about letting her in the back yard. Do I have anything to worry about as far as my dog or my daughter? What should I do with it? I don’t see any babies it seems to be just hanging out.
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Opossums are one mammal that rarely contracts rabies, but in any wildlife encounter, make sure your pets’ vaccinations are current. The most likely danger in this situation is to the opossum, especially if your dog reaches it.
An opossum bite is quite painful and can be bad. This is a great opportunity to teach young children about respecting wildlife and NEVER to touch.
Opossums are not so much territorial as they will stay in an area with a good food supply. Garbage, compost piles and food placed outdoors for wildlife and pets are the most common food source in urban areas. If you or your neighbors are creating a food source, removing that source often will make the opossum move on to a better location. Place garbage in animal proof containers or do not put it outside until the morning of pick-up.
Opossums are marsupials, meaning they carry babies in their pouch like a kangaroo. They do not den but may hole up in a convenient location. Opossums can be safely relocated if the problem persists.
The safest way to capture an opossum is to place canned cat food in the bottom of an upright large garbage can. Put something outside the can for the opossum to climb to get into the can. He won’t be able to climb out. Transport the opossum at least 5 miles away in the can. Do not handle him Their bite is tremendous.
I hope this helped.
March 24th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Thank you for responding Peggy, I really appreciate it. I think I am just going to leave it alone, I have started letting my dog out front when it gets dark instead of in the back. I will be sure to tell my daughter to just leave it alone. Thanks again.
May 5th, 2007 at 7:48 am
I am doing a project on opossums for my 4th grade class. Do you have any toy stuffed opossums I could buy that I can put in my habitat arrangement? If not, do you know where I can get one. I only have two weeks! Please let me know ASAP.
Thank you.
May 8th, 2007 at 8:38 am
You can get all kinds of opossum related items, including a stuffed toy at http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/gifts.html
May 20th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Interesting…
May 21st, 2007 at 11:56 am
We brought a mother opossum to you who had babies in the pouch. The mom was dead but the babies alive. They were so small and we didn’t think they had much of a chance. 3 weeks later we brought a bird, also hit by a car. We saw our opossums were happy and healthy!
Thank you so much for saving them. The work you do is wonderful and we appreciate the time you give. I can’t believe you aren’t paid and there is not grant money. That is terrible. We will be donating regularly.
Crist
May 21st, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Nice work!
September 11th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
two days ago a opossum bite my dog in the leg, now, she’s feeling so much pain,she can’t touch the floor with the leg that got bite. i’m giving some aspirin for dogs, should i give something else?? thank you so much..sorry if i typed something wrong, i’m from Brasil…
September 13th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
You should take your dog to a vet. If the opossum bite very hard it may have damaged a blood vessel or tendon or the dog maybe beginning with an infection. Don’t try to self-medicate an injury like that. Seek medical help.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I have a lady at work who claims opossums will or do not bite.
She claims that they can’t bite with the way the jaws are. I seems to think they can bite but would like clarification