The fauna of the North American continent is highly diverse, featuring a multitude of amazing animals. One of these is the opossum. What makes it unique is that it is the only marsupial in this part of the planet. Its structure is unusual: a special pouch used for carrying its young can be found on its body. It's worth noting that this species hasn't changed a single characteristic over the millennia of its existence. Therefore, it is of particular interest to scientists.
Where does the opossum live?
These animals can be found today. throughout the United StatesOpossums are found in southern Canada, North America (Argentina), South America (Chile), and Mexico. Opossums have demonstrated remarkable survival in turbulent times thanks to their unique body structure, unfussy diet, and reproductive strategy.
But it is necessary to distinguish the North American opossum from other representatives of marsupials, for example, the sugar glider, which is found on the Australian continent.
The first representatives of this species were spotted in the western United States during the Great Depression. But they gradually expanded their range northward. The opossum is accustomed to inhabiting areas of grasslands, farmland, and woodlands in North America. It can often be encountered in city blocks: he got used to being near water, using garbage as food.
Opossum: photo and characteristics
Today, the opossum family comprises 17 genera and 60 species. The most well-known representatives are the woolly opossum, the water opossum, the graceful opossum, and others.
Appearance
Opossums are medium-sized mammals, roughly the size of a large cat. If you look at the picture, these animals have whitish-gray fur; some may have a black and white coat with light and dark stripes. The head and throat are traditionally white.Other distinctive features worth highlighting include:
- short legs;
- elongated pointed muzzle;
- cunning beady eyes;
- long tail;
- sharp claws.
The female is easily distinguished by the presence of a pouch. These animals exhibit moderate sexual dimorphism, so males are always larger in size, than females. Males have a bifurcated penis, while females have a bifurcated vagina.
Key Features
- Given that these animals often inhabit urban environments, they are primarily active at night. Therefore, when going for an evening walk, it's quite possible to encounter them among piles of trash.
- Due to their special body structure, these animals can climb trees, but they cannot cling to branches with their tails, although there is a misconception about this.
- The advantage is their amazingly stable immune system, thanks to which these animals can even withstand the bites of rattlesnakes and vipers.
- Even though they are mammals, these little creatures have extremely short lifespans—on average, 2-4 years. They age very quickly.
- A distinctive character trait is timidity, so these animals avoid direct contact with people and pets. However, in some cases, if left with no other choice, they may kill a puppy or kitten with their sharp teeth. During an attack, they make a sound resembling a hiss or a scream.
- Opossums are not aggressive animals, but they still pose a certain danger to humans. Because they often live near garbage heaps, they can easily become carriers of dangerous diseases, parasites, ticks, and lice.
- When moving, opossums can reach speeds of up to 7 miles per hour.
- Opossums live alone; pairs can only be encountered during the mating season.
- These creatures have excellent climbing skills.
- When communicating with each other, they make characteristic clicking sounds.
- Opossums have an excellent sense of smell and can find food by touch if necessary.
- Opossums have 50 sharp teeth, more than any other known mammal.
Nutrition
The characteristics of opossums' teeth suggest that they are carnivores, but in reality they are can eat any foodTheir main food source is garbage and carrion. They also enjoy insects, frogs, birds, fruit, earthworms, and sometimes even the remains of other animals that have died along the route.
Despite their harmless lifestyle, opossums have many natural enemies. They can easily become a victim:
- owls;
- eagles;
- foxes;
- dogs;
- cats.
They are of interest to humans as a source of meat. There are numerous known cases of these animals dying in large numbers on roads during hunting.
Opossums are a vital part of the ecosystem that forms our planet's food chain. They feed on insects, fruits, small animals, and other food items, but they can also be eaten by larger animals such as coyotes, foxes, snakes, and birds of prey.
Behavior, reproduction
Opossums are nomadic animalsThey remain in their territory as long as there is sufficient food and water. They may sometimes use abandoned burrows or nests as temporary habitats. Finding a home built by an opossum is a rare occurrence. They generally prefer dark, safe places located underground or in thickets.
In adult individuals, the tail does not allow them to cling to branches, but in this regard, their young are different and can use this physiological appendage in a similar capacity. tails are poorly developedto support the weight of an adult animal. Therefore, opossums use them as support and a fifth limb when climbing. They often help them tie leaves together in the nest.
Mating season for opossums typically begins in late winter. Females can have 2-3 litters per year, the number depending on the climate in their habitat. A single litter can produce up to 13 pups. Gestation is short, lasting 11-14 days. Newborn opossums are very small, so a teaspoon can easily hold 20 pups.
After hatching, the tiny possums trying to get to the mother's pouch, to remain there until full maturity, which lasts the next 2.5 months. Given that opossums breed from December to February, young individuals become independent between late April and early August. They reach sexual maturity at one year of age.
Conclusion
Opossums are rare in Europe, although they are very common in their natural habitats. Their distinctive feature is their high adaptability to environmental conditions. This explains why they have been able to survive throughout their history without significant changes.
Today, their favorite places are also city blocks, where they can be found mainly next to piles of garbageOpossums are omnivores, so they don't shy away from anything. However, they can pose a serious danger to humans, as poor hygiene can cause the spread of dangerous diseases and parasites.
