Opossums are present in Canada, though their presence is relatively recent and geographically limited to the southern reaches of the country. The species found here is the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the only marsupial native to North America. This opportunistic animal has expanded its range northward over the last century, colonizing regions previously considered too cold for a species with tropical origins. Its current distribution in Canada is concentrated in areas where human settlement provides shelter and food resources.
Where Opossums Are Found in Canada
The Virginia Opossum’s Canadian range is confined to the warmest, most southern parts of the country. The largest established populations are found in Southern and Southeastern Ontario, particularly around major urban centers like Toronto and Hamilton.
The species is also well-established in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, including Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. In the west, they are thought to have spread naturally from populations introduced earlier into the western United States. Limited sightings and small populations also occur in Southern Quebec, primarily near the border with the United States.
The northern limit of their range has been steadily expanding over time. This expansion is likely facilitated by milder winters due to climate change and the opossum’s generalist nature. While they are often associated with forests and wetlands, their success relies heavily on their ability to thrive in urban and agricultural landscapes.
The Virginia Opossum’s Distinctive Traits
The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. Females carry their underdeveloped young in a specialized pouch called a marsupium. After a gestation period of only 12 to 14 days, the tiny young, called joeys, climb into the pouch to complete their development.
The opossum is an opportunistic omnivore, consuming a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including insects, fruit, small vertebrates, and carrion. They possess fifty teeth, more than any other North American land mammal. Their body features a long, pointed face, coarse, grayish fur, and a long, hairless, prehensile tail used as an aid when climbing.
They are most famous for their involuntary defensive behavior known as “playing possum,” or feigning death. When threatened, the animal enters a catatonic state, lying motionless and sometimes emitting a foul odor. This reaction is an unconscious neurological response intended to deter predators that prefer live prey.
Strategies for Surviving Cold Climates
As a species that originated in the tropics, the Virginia Opossum lacks the specialized biological insulation needed for frigid northern environments. They do not truly hibernate, meaning they must remain active to forage for food throughout the winter. This exposes them to dangerous cold, complicated by their poorly insulated fur and lack of fur on their extremities.
Their naked ears, paws, and prehensile tail are highly susceptible to frostbite when temperatures drop below freezing. Frostbite is a common issue in northern populations, often resulting in the loss of ear tips or parts of the tail.
To cope with cold snaps, the opossum relies heavily on behavioral adaptations and human infrastructure. They seek insulated dens and shelters, often utilizing hollow trees, brush piles, or structures like sheds, garages, and under porches. During periods of extreme cold, they reduce their activity and may enter short periods of torpor, which helps conserve energy until they must emerge to find sustenance. They also use their prehensile tail to gather leaf litter for bedding, which helps insulate their winter dens.