Opossums

Opossums are the only marsupial found in the United States and Canada. They are small to medium sized animals, ranging in size from the smallest species, the Virginia opossum, at about the size of a large rat, to the large and aggressive Australian species. Opossums are opportunistic and primarily nocturnal scavengers. They feed on a wide variety of plants, fruits, and insects. They do not hibernate in the winter, but rather seek shelter or warmth in the hollows of trees or abandoned burrows. The Virginia opossum is significant in that it is a major reservoir for the rabies virus and other zoonotic diseases, meaning they can transmit the virus to humans, pets, and other animals. Opossums can play an important role in maintaining balance as part of the natural food chain, helping to control pests such as rodents, snakes, and insects. They also can act as secondary dispersers of seeds. Although they may seem like a nuisance, opossums actually provide important benefits to our environment and should be appreciated.