The Virginia Opossum, often called a “possum,” is the only marsupial found in North America. This mammal is identifiable by its grayish-white fur, pink pointed snout, and nearly hairless ears and tail. They are successful opportunists, adapting to habitats ranging from woodlands to suburban areas. Opossums are primarily nocturnal, active between dusk and dawn.
The Collective Noun and Solitary Habits
The recognized collective noun for a group of opossums is a “passel.” The terms “gang” or “clan” are also occasionally used to describe a gathering of these animals. Despite having a collective noun, an actual grouping of adult opossums is a rare sight in nature. The opossum is a solitary animal, preferring to live independently for nearly its entire life. They typically only seek out others during the brief mating season, otherwise remaining territorial and avoiding social interaction.
Misconceptions About Opossum Grouping
The only natural and consistent grouping of opossums occurs when a mother is raising her young. A female opossum gives birth to a litter averaging between six and nine babies, though up to 25 may be born. These tiny, undeveloped newborns, about the size of a honeybee, immediately crawl into the mother’s pouch where they attach to one of her 13 teats. The joeys remain in the pouch for about two months until they grow too large. They then emerge and spend the next period clinging tightly to the mother’s back as she forages for food. The sight of a female carrying young across her back is the most common example of a “passel” in the wild. Young opossums become fully independent and disperse from their mother when they are four to five months old.
Defining Characteristics of the Opossum
The opossum possesses several unique biological traits that help it survive in diverse environments. Their long, prehensile tail functions as a fifth limb, aiding them in balancing and climbing, though they do not typically hang from it for extended periods. They also have opposable inner toes on their hind feet, which assist in grasping branches. Their diet is omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming everything from fruits, grains, and insects to carrion, eggs, and small vertebrates.
They possess a natural immunity to the venom of certain pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. This resistance is due to a protective peptide in their blood that is capable of neutralizing the toxins. Their most famous trait is the defensive mechanism of “playing ‘possum,” or thanatosis. This is an involuntary physiological reaction to extreme danger, where the animal enters a catatonic, coma-like state. During this time, the opossum’s breathing and heart rate slow significantly, and they often excrete a foul-smelling fluid to deter potential predators that prefer live prey.