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Topic: Opossum


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In the News (Fri 25 Dec 09)

  
  Didelphimorphia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Opossum fur is quite soft, and was once commonly used in coats.
Opossums are nocturnal animals, but they are often seen during the day when their natural habitat has been destroyed, when they are searching for food, or when young and inexperienced youngsters - not yet street-wise - are looking for food.
An opossum seeing an object on a road during the night may believe it to be road kill, and may either freeze in the headlight of a car, or try to run away.
en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Opossum   (1830 words)

  
 opossum on Encyclopedia.com   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Opossums are more or less arboreal, nocturnal animals, with long noses, naked ears, prehensile tails, and opposable hind toes tipped with flat pads.
The common, or Virginia, opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, ranges from Argentina to the N United States; it is found mostly in wooded areas and is common in the SE United States.
Opossums are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Marsupialia, family Didelphidae.
www.encyclopedia.com /html/o1/opossum.asp   (621 words)

  
 MSN Encarta - Opossum
The opossum ranges in length from 17 to 104 cm (7 to 41 in), including the tail, which is from 9 to 54 cm (4 to 21 in) long.
The common Virginia opossum is the largest of the opossums, measuring 109 cm (43 in), of which one-half is tail.
The Virginia opossum, found throughout the eastern United States and occasionally in the Western states, is edible and was once considered a delicacy in the South.
encarta.msn.com /encyclopedia_761560747/Opossum.html   (399 words)

  
 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Wildlife Species Guide - Opossum
Opossums and raccoons share similar habitat requirements and both species use similar areas in a similar manner.
An opossum does not have a method for storing food or energy and needs food sources that are stable from season to season and year to year.
The opossum is classified as a furbearer in Nebraska but is not taken in large numbers by hunters or trappers, and its pelt has little value.
www.ngpc.state.ne.us /wildlife/opossum.asp   (1146 words)

  
 Animal Tracks - Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Opossums have opposable thumbs on their hind feet which help them to grip branches and climb.
Opossums eat a variety of foods and are able to adapt to many different environments, from cities to wilderness.
On the left is the trail pattern of an opossum in river sand.
www.bear-tracker.com /opossum.html   (584 words)

  
 Opossum - (Didelphis virginiana)
Opossums live throughout Missouri but are least abundant in the north-western and southeastern parts of the state.
Opossums have traveled as far as 990 feet (301 m) between successive den sites, and a tracked opossum traveled as much as two miles (3.2 km) in one night.
When the little opossums are about the size of house mice, they begin to open their eyes and let go of the nipples for the first time.
mdc.mo.gov /nathis/mammals/opossum   (1029 words)

  
 WildWNC.org : Animals : VIRGINIA OPOSSUM   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
The legs of the opossum are short and the front feet are quite dexterous, allowing the opossum to grasp and hold food in its front paws.
Opossums are sometimes trapped for their fur, and in some areas of the south, opossums are still relished for their meat.
The brain case of the opossum is rather small in comparison to other mammals of a similar size and it is often reputed to be a rather dim-witted animal.
wildwnc.org /af/virginiaopossum.html   (857 words)

  
 Encyclopedia article on Opossum [EncycloZine]   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Opossums in captivity are known to engage in cannibalism, though this is probably uncommon in the wild.
Opossums that appear to be dead but not displaying fatal injuries should be given the benefit of the doubt--don't bury them alive.
Though opossum is often pronounced, and even spelled possum, the latter word actually refers to various distantly related but broadly similar animals of magnorder Australidelphia, that are native to Australasia and are an introduced pest in New Zealand.
encyclozine.com /Opossum   (579 words)

  
 OPOSSUM   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
An adult opossum is about the size of a large house cat, and resembles a cream to gray colored rat with a pointed snout and a long, naked tail.
Opossum tracks are distinctive, especially the widely angled "big toe" of the hind foot.
Opossum droppings though, are not distinctive and vary according to the type of food eaten.
www.mntrappers.com /opossum.html   (412 words)

  
 Opposum   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Opossums are gray with long pointed noses and hairless ears and tail.
Opossums are probably best known for playing dead, a defense mechanism that is utilized to keep them from being eaten and is only used as a last resort.
Opossums don't move very swiftly, their fastest speed was clocked at a roaring 4½ miles per hour (McManus 1970).
home.sou.edu /~rible/wildlife/opposum.htm   (876 words)

  
 PossumRescue.com - Promoting the Gentleness of 'Possums
The opossum doesn't have a permanent "nest" because it is nocturnal and transient.
Opossums do not dig holes, as their paws are very soft and tender, much like a human hand.
Opossums may drool, growl and show their 50 teeth when frightened, but in reality are placid and prefer to avoid any confrontation.
www.possumrescue.com /facts.htm   (368 words)

  
 Opossum - Texas Animals
Opossums carry bundles of leaves and stems clasped in their tails when they are building nests.
Opossums are born after a gestation period of only 13 days.
The opossum then remains in the mother's pouch for another 7 weeks, until it is large enough to detach itself from the nipple.
www.flex.net /~lonestar/opossum.htm   (399 words)

  
 Opossums
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is an interesting animal (Figure 1), though it can be a nuisance to man, a detriment to some wildlife, and has a name difficult to spell.
Opossums have a scaly, rat-like, prehensile tail they use with their opposable thumbs (Figure 2) to grasp small branches and other small things.
Opossums, like most other animals, are susceptible to infection by the rabies virus; however, very few rabid wild opossums have been documented.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu /UW026   (1252 words)

  
 Information Resources on the North American Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Austad SN (1993) Retarded senescence in an insular population of Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana).
Kennard FG (1925) The Virginia opossum in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Manuel BJ (1977) Occurrence of the opossum on the Tug Hill Plateau.
www.nal.usda.gov /awic/pubs/opossum.htm   (4533 words)

  
 Opossum Management Guidelines--UC IPM
In its foraging, the nocturnal opossum is a true omnivore, feeding on fruits, nuts, green plants, insects, snails, snakes, frogs, birds and their eggs, and small mammals such as meadow voles, mice, and rats.
Opossum are considered a nuisance in gardens and near homes when they feed on berries, grapes, tree fruits and nuts, and defecate on garden paths and patios.
Opossum do not usually become as numerous as raccoons sometimes do and are not as objectionable as skunks.
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu /PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74123.html   (1946 words)

  
 NatureWorks -Virginia Opossum   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
The opossum's "thumbs" are on its rear feet.
The Virginia opossum can be found in most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and on the West Coast.
The Virginia opossum is nocturnal and uses its keen sense of smell to locate food.
www.nhptv.org /natureworks/opossum.htm   (519 words)

  
 Oppossum Species Account   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
An adult opossum is about the same size as a house cat, but with much shorter legs.
Opossums tend to wander a great deal and shift their home sites frequently, but most spend their lives in an area 10-50 acres in size.
Opossums are omnivorous (eat both plant and animal matter) and not very finicky.
www.inhs.uiuc.edu /dnr/fur/species/opossum.html   (729 words)

  
 Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Opossums are primarily inhabitants of deciduous woodlands but are often found in prairies, marshes, and farmlands.
In East Texas woodland habitat the density of opossums is about one opossum every 1.6 ha while in sandy, coastal parts of the state the density is about one opossum every 6 ha.
The opossum is the second most commonly harvested furbearing animal in Texas, but the value of its pelt is low.
www.nsrl.ttu.edu /tmot1/didevirg.htm   (653 words)

  
 The Opossum: Our Marvelous Marsupial, The Social Loner
I was frightened but fascinated, and after I realized that the opossum seemed to live in the brush pile, I started to watch it on a regular basis, and began to worry when it did not appear for several nights during inclement weather.
Pick fruit and garden crops when they are ripe to discourage opossums, and do not leave rotten fruit or crops on the ground.
Opossums seldom stay in one area for more than a few nights, so fear of them "taking over" an area should not be a concern.
www.wildliferescueleague.org /report/opossum.html   (1846 words)

  
 Opossum Information, Rescue and Rehabilitation
Opossum is a master at recognizing truth as well as falsehood.
Opossum does not allow his emotions to consume his actions and participates in the game of life with strategic maneuvers.
If Opossum appears in your life, he may be telling you to wake up and pay attention, things may not be what they seem to be.
www.geocities.com /crawdadcreekrehab/Opossum.html   (349 words)

  
 Opossums
But, think of this: If all 14 opossum babies were to develop to full term inside the mother, the poor mother wouldn't be able to move around much during her pregnancy.
One of the most remarkable sights ever to hope for in our backyards is that of a mother opossum with all her babies riding on the mother's back, with their tails grasping hers, to keep from falling off.
Since opossums aren't well equipped for fighting, their "delicate nervous system" may be an adaptation for surviving attack by predators such as dogs, who may be more interested in a good fight than in eating a sick-acting opossum.
www.backyardnature.net /opossums.htm   (714 words)

  
 Opossum   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Opossums have opposable thumbs on their rear feet and can also grasp with their tails.
Opossums are highly resistant to diseases (including rabies) and snake bites.
Opossums in extreme danger may "play 'possum." This coma-like state can last up to four hours, during which time the opossum will become stiff, drool, and have extremely slow, shallow breathing.
kaweahoaks.com /html/opossum.htm   (157 words)

  
 FWC - Critter Questions - Opossum
Opossums are about the size of a house cat, have long naked tails and small ears.
Opossums are common in residential and suburban areas, and are most active at night.
Opossums are attracted to virtually any type of available food, including garbage, pet food, or cultivated fruits and vegetables.
www.wildflorida.org /critters/opossum.asp   (222 words)

  
 National Opossum Society
If a lot of opossums are killed by predators (they have lots of predators- man is one of the biggest) there is more food for those that remain.
The National Opossum Society and the Opossum Society of the United States, while both founded by Dr. Henness, are separate groups.
Within institutions such as universities where opossums are kept captive for research projects of questionable value, they are rarely given the most basic care they require to live healthy lives.
www.opossum.org   (1305 words)

  
 Oakland Zoo: Opossum   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
The opossum is nomadic and stays in a particular area for six months to a year before moving on; there is no territoriality, but individuals will defend the space occupied at a given time.
Very few opossums survive their third year of life, though some in captivity have lived up to 7 years.
The opossum becomes immobile, lies with the body and tail curled, opens the mouth, and is apparently insensitive to stimuli.
www.oaklandzoo.org /atoz/azopssum.html   (823 words)

  
 Opossum (Didelphus virginiana)
Opossums are usually nocturnal (night creatures.) They are solitary, living alone most of the time.
Opossums may live for up to seven years, but usually only live for 1 1/2 years in the wild.
Opossums do not dig their own dens, but instead use things like drainage ditches, hollow logs, or squirrels’ nests to make a home for their babies.
pelotes.jea.com /AnimalFact/Mammal/opossum.htm   (632 words)

  
 Virginia Opossum
The opossum relies on its excellent hearing to detect prey rustling beneath the forest floor.
An opossum is about the size of a house cat.
Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time.
www.iwrc-online.org /kids/Facts/Mammals/opossum.htm   (223 words)

  
 Possum page
Opossums are covered with short silvery fur interspersed with longer course white-tipped hairs.
When an opossum does find itself in danger it is not (quite) defenseless, as we'll see in a moment.
Opossums will often live in hollow trees, bedding down during the day in dry leaves and debris and venturing out at night to hunt for food.
www.bio.umass.edu /biology/conn.river/opossum.html   (506 words)

  
 Urban Entomology [Ebeling Chap. 9 part 3] Pests Attacking Mand and His Pets   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Seven outbreaks were intimately associated with either dogs, cats, opossums, or skunks, and 2 with rats.
Opossums in such areas are heavily infested with fleas, and are suspected of being responsible for some of the sporadic cases of typhus in man (Adams et al., 1970).
When people live near wooded areas or stream courses, or where trees and shrubs are abundant, they may have opossums in the attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, or basements of their homes.
www.entomology.ucr.edu /ebeling/ebel9-3.html   (19692 words)

  
 Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections: Four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum)   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Head and body length of P. opossum is 250-350 mm, tail length is 253-329 mm.
The mainly terrestrial P. opossum inhabits forested areas, often near swamps and streams, and is also adept at climbing and swimming.
The diet of P. opossum includes small mammals, birds and their eggs, reptiles, amphibians, insects, freshwater crustaceans, snails, earthworms, fruits, and probably carrion.
brainmuseum.org /Specimens/marsupalia/4eyedopossum   (240 words)

  
 Wonderful Skunk and Opossum Web Site?   (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06)
Skunks and opossums have for a long time been my favorite small critters and when I first looked for information on them on the internet I found there really wasn't all that much.
The same happened with the opossums, I learned of a second opossum rescue/rehab organization -- also a spin-off of the other, and also bitter rivals.
I still have an appreciation for skunks and opossums and still wish the best for anyone's organization dedicated to the betterment of these animals or educating the general public about them but I can no longer afford the time and dedication it would take to make the Wonderful Skunk and Opossum pages truly wonderful.
granicus.if.org /~firmiss/m-d.html   (893 words)

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