Common (Southern, Black-eared) Opossum

The common opossum, also known as the southern or black-eared opossum, is a captivating marsupial found from Mexico down to Bolivia. These adaptable animals inhabit a wide range of environments, from dense forests and open fields to bustling urban areas. In some regions, they are even considered a food source.

Common opossums thrive in tropical and subtropical forests, where they create snug nests in tree hollows or burrows. About the size of a house cat, they are characterized by striking yellow fur with black guard hairs, large ears, a peach-colored face, and a distinctive hairless tail.

Primarily nocturnal, these opossums are ground dwellers with habits similar to raccoons, a trait that sometimes leads to their being regarded as pests. Their diet is diverse, including insects, small animals, fruits, vegetables, and carrion.

Female opossums are devoted mothers, giving birth to 5-9 babies several times a year and raising them on their own. These creatures typically have a lifespan of around 2.5 years. They belong to the genus Didelphis within the order Didelphimorphia, marking them as a unique and intriguing part of the animal kingdom.