Opossums are wanderers, being nomadic and not staying in one specific territory. The opossum (order Didelphimorphia) is the only marsupial found in the Americas. The cat flea rarely exchanges hosts, so it stays on the animal until the host’s death. Today the Virginia opossum’s range covers Central America from Costa Rica to Mexico and several parts of the United States. Their colors are more diverse including black, chinchilla gray, and fox silver-gray and gold than those of opossums. It was Captain John Smith who used the term opossum for the first time in 1608. Typical opossum litter sizes range from as few as 4 to as many as 25 joeys. range due to the excessive movement of opossums. The length of possums ranges from the length of a human finger to four feet, while their weight ranges from six ounces to 32 pounds. They originally were found only in southeastern U.S., but in recent years their range has expanded west and north all the way into northern Minnesota. The Virginia opossum was once widely hunted and consumed in the United States. Opossum Habitat with moderately long fur that ranges in color from white to dark gray. The biggest possums rarely grow beyond the size of a house cat. Virginia opossums live in most parts of the United States that are east of the Rocky Mountains, and along the west coast from British Columbia in Canada and to Baja California. Range Opossums are found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, south through Central America. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. Opossums are nocturnal, meaning they venture out of their dens in the evening in search of food. They generally live around people in suburban and urban areas, foraging on a variety of foods as omnivores. Opossums are considered a generalist species that can utilize a wide variety of foods and habitats. You will receive text messages with ways to help animals right from your phone. The fur is frequently darker on the legs and lighter on the back. Their fur ranges in color from snow white to jet black, and their tail is nearly hairless and rat-like. The only native marsupial (mammals with pouches) in North America, opossums are the size of a large house cat. An adult opossum is about the same size as a house cat, but with much shorter legs. Geographic Range. It is also found in Mexico and Central America. One study showed that one in every four dens in the range was occupied by the opossum. The opossum is common in wooded areas throughout Pennsylvania. It has been introduced in several western states. The name was adapted from the Native American Algonquin term ‘apasum’, which mean white animal. Mobile Number. When the babies are born, they only weigh between one and two tenths of … Opossum World features a vast range of New Zealand manufactured Possum and Merino fashion knitwear available for purchase online. They are not territorial to the extent that they defend their ranges from other opossums. Males are usually larger than females. They also prefer areas that are wet, like marshes, swamps and streams. Prior to European settlement of North America, the opossum was found only in Central America and the southeastern United States. Thank you for signing up for text alerts! Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). Opossum World is a unique, possum themed educational attraction located in Napier, New Zealand. The opossum’s home ranges are more often a longer course rather than a circle shaped course (McManus 1974). Opossums were once uncommon in northern portions of the United States. The species has expanded its range north and west during the past century. Opossums inhabit a wide variety of habitats. The home range of an opossum is about 50 acres. They are excellent climbers, and they wrap their long prehensile tails around tree limbs for balance. The Virginia or American opossum, sometimes referred to as the possum, is the only marsupial that lives wild in the United States. 2 , 4, 5 , 11 , 18 , 22 , 24 , 29 Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. In the United States the Virginia opossum is found east of the Rocky Mountains and in Canada in southwestern Ontario. Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of the two continents. Opossums inhabit a wide range, from sea level to elevations over 10,000 feet. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Zip Code. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? THEY’RE CONSTANTLY SELF-GROOMING. They are not adept at digging, so they often utilize burrows that anothe… Except for higher elevations, opossums now occupy most human-occupied habitats in western Washington. The Grand Forks specimen marked a 137-mile northward range extension for the Virginia opossum, the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. It is also found in southern Canada. Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have a wide range throughout Central and North American, which continues to expand.Currently, Virginia opossums can be found from Costa Rica to southern Ontario, Canada. The Virginia opossum has a total of 50 teeth, more than any other North American mammal. The common opossum and Virginia opossum are found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America and Canada. The opossum has a narrow, tapered head with a pointed muzzle, pink nose, black eyes and bluish-black ears that lack hair and look leathery. ‘Possums’ have a pouch, so are marsupials just like kangaroos. Adults weigh from 6 to 15 pounds. Many opossum ranges overlap, and good quality habitats may support 20 opossums to the square mile. The Grand Forks specimen marked a 137-mile northward range extension for the Virginia opossum, the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Though they aren't picky about where they hang out, opossums love trees and will stay aloft in trees as much as possible. They tend to be solitary and nomadic and are primarily nocturnal in activity. First name. The Virginia opossum’s range extends throughout the United States, except in extremely mountainous or arid regions. Reply STOP to opt out. 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