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Opossum | |||
Didelphis marsupialis (virginiana) | |||
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| What's it sound like? | Animal Sound 1
Sound 2
Sound 3 | ||
| Identification | |||
Characterized by a gray body, white face, pink nose, bare pink tale, leather-like ears and large toes. They can climb trees and swim. Tail can leave mark in tracks. Plays dead when frightened. Tracks appear similar to raccoon but one tow on rear prints slant inwards. Highly variable habitats and diets. | |||
| Description | |||
| Opossums are the only wild marsupial found in North America. Opossums are omnivorous and commonly feed on carrion and have strong immune systems. They do no hibernate and are active year-round within range. Opossums have life spans of less than two years. Litters of up to 13 babies (joeys) travel to the pouch after a 12 day gestation where they remain for 60 days. | |||
| Adjective: | didelphine | ||
| Family: | Didelphidae | ||
| Latin Name: | Didelphis marsupialis (virginiana) | ||
| Genus: | Didelphis | ||
| Order: | Didelphimorphia | ||
| Group: | passel | ||
| Other Names: | Possum, Virginia Opossum | ||
| Weight: | 0.3-6.5 kg | ||
| Total Length: | 350-1000 mm | ||
| Tail Length: | 200-450 mm | Track Information | |
 Hind Track |
 Front Track |
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| Max Print Length (CM): | 7.5 | ||
| Min Print Length (CM): | 7.5 | ||
| Max Print Width (CM): | 8 | ||
| Min Print Width (CM): | 3 | ||
| Max Print Straddle (CM): | |||
| Min Print Straddle (CM): | 18 | ||
| Print Size: | Small/Medium | ||
| Print Type: | Digitigrade | ||
| Track Notes: | Track Notes: Nails may be present in tracks. | ||