Possums are one of the commonly known animals in the world. They are very intresting in their looks and in their behavior. They are found nearly every where in te world. Including the unique Didelphis virginiana , also known as the Virginia Opossum. This species is one of the commonly known. People all over the world are stunned by this amazing creature.

The Virginian Opossum lives not only in one particular place, but many. It lives in open woods, farmlands, and forests. They also live in wet areas as well such as marshes, swamps, and streams.  Mainly they live in Central America and from Costa Rico to southern Ontario. Their diet contains both insects and plants. They can also consume small animals as well.

Also, this small mammal is about the size of a house hold cat. It has a triangular head with a pointy nose. Their ears are furless and black, they even have pouches. The Virgina Opossum has opposable thumbs just like humans do. When in danger, these animals can hiss at the predator and show their teeth. They can even pretend to be dead in front of them.

What makes this animal unique is the special adaptions that it has. Such as their opposable thumbs which help them handle their food and climb. They have a prehensile tail, when the possum sleeps, they do not hold their tail up in a tree. In the winter Virginia Opossums do not hibernate as other animals do. Also they live by themselves except when they meet others for breading season.

The Didelphis virginiana is one of the most unique and festinating animals in the animal kingdom. They are very different than many other animals and they are commonly found. Having a big population, the Virginia Opossum is very interesting.

Author: Mehr B.
Published: 2/2011

Source List:

1) "Virginia Opossum - Didelphis Virginiana - NatureWorks." New Hampshire Public Television - Engage. Connect. Celebrate. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. <http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/opossum.htm

2) "Virginia Opossum." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_opossum

3) Johnson, Alden M. "Virginia Opossum." FCPS Home Page Redirect Page. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/virginia_opossum.htm.

Picture Source: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Opossum