Opossums are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, these marsupials seek secure, secluded locations to rest. This conserves energy and helps them avoid daytime predators.
Preferred Daytime Resting Places
Opossums use a wide array of natural and human-made sites for daytime rest, demonstrating their adaptable nature. In natural settings, they seek refuge in hollow logs, tree cavities, and rock crevices. Dense brush piles and thickets also serve as effective hiding spots. They do not dig their own burrows, often repurposing abandoned ones created by other animals like groundhogs or foxes.
Near human activity, opossums adapt by using structures like sheds, garages, and attics. Spaces underneath porches and decks are also frequently chosen, offering darkness and protection. They use almost any available spot that provides adequate shelter and concealment. They often gravitate towards human settlements due to easier access to food, leading them to use man-made shelters.
Key Features of a Safe Sleeping Spot
Opossums choose daytime resting spots with several characteristics for safety. Darkness is a significant factor, as their nocturnal vision is superior, helping them remain hidden from diurnal predators. Seclusion is also important, ensuring they are undisturbed. These spots provide concealment, making it difficult for predators to locate them.
Protection from predators is a primary concern; dens typically have small, tight entrances larger animals cannot easily access. They also offer shelter from environmental elements like rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. A dry spot is particularly important, as opossums are susceptible to hypothermia. The ability to quickly escape if a threat is detected also influences their choice.
The Nomadic Sleeping Strategy
Unlike many mammals with permanent dens, opossums exhibit a nomadic sleeping strategy. They rarely stay in one spot for long, typically moving to a different location every few days. This transient behavior is a key survival mechanism, reducing the likelihood of predators discovering their repeated presence. By frequently changing dens, opossums make it more challenging for predators to track them.
This nomadic lifestyle also allows them to forage for food across a wider home range and adapt to changing environmental conditions. While adult opossums are mobile in their denning habits, a notable exception is a female with young (joeys). Mothers with offspring often establish a more consistent den for several weeks to ensure the safety and development of their young. This adaptive approach to resting contributes to the opossum’s widespread success and resilience in various habitats.