Virginia Opossum
Description
House cat size.
Grizzled white above; long white hairs cover black-tipped fur below. In
some areas, individuals may appear grayish or blackish. Long, naked
perhensile tail. Head and throat whiteish; ears large, naked, black
with pinkish tips Legs short; first toe of hindfoot opposable (thumb-like)
and lacks claw; Female has fur-lined abdominal pouch. L 25-40";
T 10 1/8 - 21"; HF1 7/8- 3 1/8"; Wt 4-14lb.
Similar Species
None
Breeding
After 12-13 day gestation,
1-14 young attach themselves to mother's nipples for 2 months; 2 or 3
litters per year.
Sign
Tracks; In mud, hindprint
approximately 2" wide, with 5 toes printing; large, thumb-like toe
slanted inward or backwards, 3 middle toes close together, and remaining
toe separate. Foreprint slightly smaller, with 5 toes printing in star-like
fashion. Hindprints and foreprints parallel and close together; straddle
4"; walking stride 7".
Habitat
Deciduous forests, open
woods, brushy wastelands,and farmlands.
Other
Other