Gray four-eyed opossum

The gray four-eyed opossum is an intriguing mammal native to Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico down to Peru, Bolivia, and southwestern Brazil. This versatile species thrives in various forested environments.

Appearance:

- Its name derives from the unique white spots above each eye, giving it a "four-eyed" look.

- It has a bicolored, prehensile tail, which allows it to grasp objects efficiently.

- The fur is gray on the dorsal side and cream-colored on the ventral side, complemented by striking black ears.

- In the wild, adults weigh between 200 and 674 grams, although in captivity, they can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms.

- Their body length ranges from 22.0 to 33.1 centimeters, with the tail adding another 19.5 to 35.5 centimeters.

Behavior:

- Primarily nocturnal, the gray four-eyed opossum is a solitary creature that often dwells in trees.

- It is frequently found near streams and other moist habitats.

- As an omnivore, it enjoys a diverse diet, including small animals, leaves, seeds, and fruits.

- Notably aggressive towards predators, it is also adept at climbing and swimming.

- It constructs nests in various locations and moves with impressive agility and speed.

Reproduction:

- Males compete for mates, indicating polygynous mating behavior.

- Breeding is seasonal, with the majority of offspring born during the rainy season when fruit is abundant.

- Females typically give birth to litters of four to five young and can produce two to four litters annually.

- The gestation period lasts about 13-14 days, and the young remain in the mother’s pouch for approximately 68 to 75 days.

Diet:

- The gray four-eyed opossum consumes a wide variety of foods, including fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and earthworms.

- Remarkably, it can eat venomous snakes, as it possesses proteins in its blood that neutralize the toxins.