Mary Allen
Introduction: Uncovering the Fascinating World of Opossums
Opossums, also known as possums, are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Didelphidae. They are marsupials, which means they carry their young in a pouch. Opossums are found in North and South America, and are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, opossums are actually quite harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem.
Physical Characteristics of Opossums: Anatomy and Size
Opossums are medium-sized animals, typically weighing between 4 and 14 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with long, pointed faces, sharp teeth, and hairless, prehensile tails that can be used to grasp objects. Their fur is thick and grayish-brown in color, with white or cream-colored fur on their faces and bellies. Opossums have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their back feet, and their hind legs are longer than their front legs, which gives them a distinctive gait when they walk or run. Opossums are also known for their ability to “play dead” when threatened, which involves feigning death and emitting a foul odor to deter predators.