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Our Wild Neighbors: The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
While walking through your yard at night, you might spot one of North America’s most interesting mammals. The Virginia opossum, though primarily a ground-dwelling creature, has some remarkable adaptations that help it take advantage of our urban trees.
A Unique Neighbor
As North America’s only marsupial, the Virginia opossum stands out among our local wildlife. Males are notably larger than females, with males averaging 2.8 kg and females 1.9 kg in weight. Their fur varies from grayish-white to black, and they sport distinctive pink noses, black eyes, and long whiskers that help them navigate during their nighttime activities.
Climbing Capabilities
Though opossums spend most of their time on the ground, they’re equipped with some impressive climbing adaptations. Their prehensile (grasping) tail helps with balance, while their opposable hallux (a thumb-like toe) on their back feet and strong claws allow them to climb when necessary. While folklore suggests they sleep hanging by their tails, they actually only use this ability briefly during climbing.
These climbing abilities help opossums access a variety of den sites. These adaptable creatures make their homes in various places, with hollow trees being just one of many options. They also use brush piles, rock crevices, and buildings as den sites. In fact, opossums frequently change their dens, often using several different locations in a single week.
Nighttime Activities
As evening approaches, opossums emerge from their den sites to begin foraging. While they do most of their foraging on the ground, they’ll climb trees to access fruits, nuts, and berries. Their diverse diet also includes insects, small animals, and other food sources they find during their nightly wanderings.
Family Life
The opossum’s unique reproductive cycle makes them even more interesting. After a remarkably short 12-13 day pregnancy, the tiny young (usually about seven per litter) continue their development in their mother’s pouch for about two months. The young stay with their mother for about 100 days total, learning to navigate their environment and find food.
Living with Opossums
While opossums typically live only 2-4 years in the wild, they play an important role in our urban ecosystem during that time. Their presence reminds us that our yards and trees support a diverse community of wildlife.
Want to Know More?
If you have questions about managing your trees while supporting urban wildlife, contact ArborTrue’s arborists at (832) 980-8733. We understand the delicate balance between maintaining healthy trees and supporting local wildlife.
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ArborTrue is a science-based tree service company in the greater Houston area. We also serve Austin and other parts of Central Texas. We provide a range of services including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, arborist consultations, and more. Call us today at 832-980-8733 (Houston) or at 512-546-3833 (Austin) or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.
