You may refer to it as a “possum,” but it is informal to refer to a Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in this way. Possums are actually a group of mammals native to Australia and its surrounding islands, and they more closely resemble large chinchillas. They also have long fluffy tails.

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), on the other hand, lives in the forested swamps and woodlands of North America. They also inhabit cities and suburbs, as they are quite adaptable and have learned to live alongside humans. Opossums usually get between 12.9 and 21.7 inches from head to tail, and tips the scale at anywhere from 4 to 13.2 pounds. Past their white and heavily whiskered faces, their bodies are covered in a thick coat of dull grayish-brown fur. Their tails are long, furless and prehensile, meaning that it can grasp objects.

Contrary to popular belief, opossums do not sleep upside-down while hanging from their tails. Instead their tails are used as a fifth limb, grasping branches as the animal clambers through the trees.

What sets opossums apart from virtually every other animal on the North American continent is that they are marsupials. Marsupials are a group of mammals that give birth to undeveloped young and rear them in a pouch on the mother’s belly. Most marsupials, like the kangaroo and koala, are native to Australia, and the few that aren’t are possums that come from South America. How did we Americans end up with opossums?

Well, it turns out that opossums are not originally from North America either. Their ancestors lived in South America, which was an island continent until the Isthmus of Panama formed. At that time, tapirs, tree squirrels, foxes, deer, cougars and other North American animals migrated into South America, while opossums, toads, ground sloths, hummingbirds, armadillos (some the size of small cars) and other South American animals migrated into North America. This event is called the Great American Interchange.

Opossums are not particularly fast animals, and thus are commonly preyed upon by owls, eagles, foxes, bobcats, and even domestic cats and dogs. When faced with a predator, opossums flash their teeth, hissing and screeching at their attacker. But, if this does not deter the predator, opossums are well known for … well, “playing possum.”

The opossum almost enters a coma-like state, flopping over onto the ground with its tongue dangling from the mouth. It also produces a noxious odor. Predators are so confused and disturbed by the opossum’s act that they let the animal be. Despite appearing to enter a coma, the opossum is fully alert while “playing possum” and can spring back to life as soon as the threat has gone.

One reason opossums are so adaptable is because they can eat a wide range of foods. Grains, berries and other fruit are frequently consumed by these marsupials, but when they also eat earthworms, snails, birds, mice, insects and carrion. And thanks to their immunity to snake venom, they can even kill and eat venomous snakes!

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Contact Ryan: [email protected]

HOMESCHOOL PROJECT

HOW TO MAKE

A CARDBOARD TUBE OPOSSUM

I hope that you have enjoyed making the homeschool projects. This is the last project for the school season until August.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Cardboard Tube

Gray Paint

Scissors

White Cardstock

Gray Cardstock

Glue

Pink Colored Pencil

Pink Mini Pom Pom (or White Pom Pom & Pink Chalk)

Googly Eyes

Pink Pipe Cleaner

Tape

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by painting the cardboard tube gray.

2. While it is drying, cut a narrow, elongated heart from white cardstock.

3. When the paint is dry, glue the heart onto the end of the TUBE. A rubber band holds it in place while it’s drying.

4. Cut a pair of skinny arms and a pair of skinny legs from the grey cardstock.

5. Cut two rounded ears from the grey cardstock and use the colored pencil to add pink shading to the centers. Bend them up slightly.

6. Glue the arms, legs and ears in place.

7. Add the eyes and the pink pom pom nose.

8. Finally, bend the pipe cleaner to make a tail. Secure it inside the tube with tape or hot glue.

If you have been finding these projects helpful please let us know. We would love your feedback.

Project provided by Angel Dominiq

[email protected]