Opossums, North America’s only marsupial, have a unique parenting approach. Their reproductive strategy involves a brief gestation period followed by extended development within a specialized pouch. This shapes the journey of baby opossums toward independence.
The Opossum’s Early Life and Development
Opossum young are born in an underdeveloped state after only 12 to 14 days. These newborns, often smaller than a honeybee and weighing around 0.13 grams, are blind and hairless. Immediately after birth, they instinctively crawl into their mother’s pouch, attaching firmly to a teat. They remain attached, nursing and developing, for approximately two months.
After approximately two months, the young opossums open their eyes and begin to emerge from the pouch. They then transition to riding on their mother’s back, clinging tightly as she moves. During this stage, they are still entirely reliant on their mother for nourishment, warmth, and protection, learning survival skills by observing her.
The Crucial Time of Separation
Young opossums typically become independent and leave their mother’s care when they are about 3 to 5 months old. Weaning, the process of transitioning from milk to solid food, begins around 3 months of age. This separation is not abrupt but a gradual dispersal, as young opossums begin to forage and explore their surroundings.
As they grow larger and heavier, it becomes difficult for them to remain clinging to their mother’s back. The mother opossum does not actively “kick out” her young; instead, they naturally venture off on their own as they become more capable. Once separated, mother opossums do not search for or retrieve their lost young.
Understanding Independent Opossums
An independent young opossum is characterized by its size, measuring at least 7 to 9 inches long from nose to tail base, and weighing over 7.25 ounces (200 grams). At this size, they possess the skills and physical development to survive independently in the wild. These young opossums are nocturnal, foraging for a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, carrion, and small animals.
If a young opossum is found alone and meets these size and weight criteria, it is independent and does not require human intervention. However, if a found opossum is injured, appears cold, is crying continuously, or is significantly smaller than the independent size, it may need assistance. In such cases, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately, rather than attempting to feed or care for the animal yourself.