The North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is a unique mammal commonly found across diverse landscapes from southern Canada to northern Costa Rica. As the only marsupial native to North America, this adaptable creature has successfully navigated various environments, including suburban and urban areas. Its widespread presence often leads to questions about its daily routines and preferred resting places.
Understanding Possum Activity
Opossums are primarily nocturnal, conducting most activities under the cover of darkness and typically sleeping during the day. This nighttime behavior offers several advantages for their survival. Being active after sunset helps them avoid many diurnal predators, such as hawks, that hunt during daylight hours.
The night also provides optimal conditions for foraging, as many of their food sources, including insects, carrion, fruits, and small animals, are more accessible after dark. Opossums possess eyes well-adapted for low-light conditions, and their keen sense of smell allows them to effectively locate food in the dark. These animals are generally solitary, preferring to forage and move independently rather than in groups.
Choosing a Daytime Retreat
During the day, opossums seek out safe and secluded spots to rest and sleep. They do not construct elaborate dens of their own but instead utilize existing natural shelters. Common daytime retreats include hollow logs, abandoned burrows dug by other animals, tree cavities, dense brush piles, and rock crevices.
In environments modified by humans, opossums readily adapt, finding refuge in attics, garages, sheds, or under porches and decks. These chosen locations offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Opossums are also nomadic, frequently moving between different resting spots and rarely spending more than a few consecutive nights in the same place. They may gather leaves and grass to line their temporary dens, providing additional insulation.
Factors Affecting Their Schedule
While opossums are predominantly nocturnal, their schedule is not entirely rigid and can be influenced by environmental factors. During periods of extreme cold, opossums may emerge during warmer daylight hours to search for food or seek shelter. They do not truly hibernate but may enter a state of torpor, reducing activity to conserve energy during severe weather. Their fur provides some insulation, but their hairless ears, tail, and feet are susceptible to frostbite in very cold temperatures.
Similarly, extreme heat can compel them to adjust their activity patterns, sometimes seeking cooler, shaded spots during the day. A scarcity of food at night can also force opossums to forage during daylight hours to meet nutritional needs. Human disturbances, such as habitat disruption, can displace opossums, leading to unexpected daytime movements as they search for new refuge. These instances represent exceptions to their typical nocturnal routine.