Although not as beautiful, sociable or intelligent as some other Texas mammals, the opossum does hold its own in the Lone Star state. It has been around longer than any other mammal, can make its home just about anyplace, and doesn't flinch from even the fiercest Texas rattlesnake. That is an animal certainly worth admiration and respect.
Why Is It Called the Virginia Opossum?
Sometimes called "a living fossil" because it has survived virtually unchanged for at least 50 million years, the opossum probably lived in Texas long before it expanded its range to the Eastern Seaboard. It is said to have acquired its name in Virginia from Captain John Smith, leader of the Jamestown colony. The Algonquian Indian name "white beast" was translated by Smith into the English word "opossum." It is now commonly known as the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and is the only marsupial, or pouched animal, in the United States.
Unmistakable Features of the Opossum
The opossum looks somewhat like a large silver rat with a slender snout. It is about the size of a house cat, with naked black ears, long scaly tail and silver-tipped fur. Albinism (all white appearance) is relatively common in the opossum. It can hear and smell extremely well, but its eyesight is poor. Although it has a small brain, intelligence seems to have had little to do with its remarkable ability to survive. It has a talent for adapting to changing environments and can not only find food but also remember its location.
Opossums eat just about anything, including insects, fruits, rabbits, birds, snails, crayfish, and common garbage. They are solitary animals, and nocturnal by nature.
Little Known Opossum Facts
Opossums are immune to rattlesnake venom, but are not immune to the venom of Old World snakes such as cobras and puff adders. In Texas, snakes are an additional food source for the opossum and in some parts of the state, copperhead snakes can constitute up to six percent of their diet.
Where to Find the Opossum
Although the opossum is primarily a forest animal, it thrives anywhere there is water and a constant food supply. It uses the dens and burrows of other animals, and also can be found in hollow trees, haystacks, junk heaps, chicken houses, garages, abandoned automobiles, storage sheds, etc.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, if an opossum does decide to make your home his own, you can use peanut butter and sardines to attract the animal to a live trap for relocation. The agency will issue free permits to trap, transport and release nuisance fur-bearing animals.
Life Span and Enemies
The average life span of the opossum is very short, one to two years. The automobile is considered to be the opossum's worst enemy, with man and dogs close behind. Natural enemies include foxes, coyotes, and owls. The animal would rather run than fight and when threatened, commonly uses the behavior of "playing possum" where it can remail motionless with eyes and mouth open for hours if necessary.
This national organizaton offers a wide range of information on the opossum, including guidance for rehabilitators, proper diet, finding an veterinarian, natural history, discouraging opossum visitors, and even opossum artwork for sale. It also has wonderful photographs and an orphan page to visit. In addition, membership is available for those interested in the welfare of these amazing creatures.
Candy Carlile - Candy has 28 years of experience in education and writing. She has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with certifications in ...
