This mammal holds the distinction of being North America’s only native marsupial, a group characterized by carrying their young in a pouch. While commonly referred to as “possums,” this term more broadly applies to other marsupials found in Australia.
The Virginia Opossum in Oregon
The Virginia opossum, a cat-sized mammal, features a pointed snout, unfurred black ears with white edges, and beady eyes. Its body is covered in grayish-brown fur, often with a white face. Males typically measure 33–55 cm (13–22 in) long from snout to tail base, with tails adding another 25–54 cm (9.8–21.3 in), and weigh between 2.1–2.8 kg (4.6–6.2 lb). Females are slightly smaller, averaging about 40.6 cm (16.0 in) in body length and 1.9–2.1 kg (4.2–4.6 lb).
Opossums were not originally native to Oregon. They were introduced to the state between 1910 and 1921, primarily through releases of animals brought in as pets or novelties. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife considers the opossum an invasive species in the state, as their presence can compete with native mammals for food and habitat.
Where Opossums Live in Oregon
Opossums in Oregon exhibit a wide distribution, adapting to various environments across the state. They are commonly found in western Oregon, inhabiting urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Preferred habitats include deciduous forests, woodlands, and agricultural lands, particularly those with small streams or other water sources nearby. They also frequently establish themselves in areas with human development, as these locations often provide abundant food sources like discarded human food scraps and accessible shelter. Opossums do not typically dig their own burrows, instead favoring abandoned burrows of other animals, hollow logs, tree cavities, rock piles, or spaces under buildings and sheds for denning.
Opossum Habits and Characteristics
Virginia opossums are primarily nocturnal. They are omnivores. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, eggs, frogs, plants, fruits, grains, and carrion (dead animals). They also eat ticks and can consume skeletal remains to fulfill their calcium needs.
A well-known defense mechanism of the opossum is “playing possum,” a physiological response to extreme fear or threat. When severely threatened, the animal enters an involuntary, comatose-like state, mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. This involves drawing back their lips to bare teeth, foaming saliva around the mouth, closing or half-closing eyes, and secreting a foul-smelling fluid from anal glands. The stiff, curled form can last from a few minutes to several hours, often deterring predators who prefer live prey.
They have a long, scaly, and nearly hairless prehensile tail, which they use for grasping branches, providing balance when climbing, and even carrying nesting materials like leaves and twigs. While juveniles may hang by their tails for short periods, adult opossums are generally too heavy to do so for long. Additionally, their hind feet feature opposable, clawless thumbs (hallux), which greatly aid in climbing and grasping.
Living Alongside Opossums
They are generally docile animals and are not typically aggressive, though they may hiss, growl, or bare their 50 teeth when feeling threatened. A common misconception is that opossums frequently carry rabies; however, they have a lower body temperature than most mammals, which makes them less susceptible to the rabies virus.
To deter opossums from unwanted areas, securing potential food sources is effective. This includes properly securing trash cans, bringing pet food indoors at night, and cleaning up fallen fruit from trees. Opossums are opportunistic and will seek out convenient den sites, so sealing openings under sheds, porches, or other structures can prevent them from taking up residence. It is important to ensure no animals are inside before sealing any entry points.
If an opossum is encountered, the best course of action is to leave it alone. They are generally transient and will move on if not provided with readily available food and shelter. If an opossum appears injured or sick, contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center is the appropriate step rather than attempting to handle the animal directly. Opossums contribute to the ecosystem by consuming pests like insects, rodents, and ticks, and by acting as natural scavengers, helping to clean up carrion.