Opossums - Management

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Picture courtesy of
Museum of Zoology. University of Michigan

Opossums - Uses

Opossums are considered to be furbearers, but they are not taken in large numbers because their pelt has little value. Opossums are nature's sanitation engineers; they eat road-kill, carrion, rotting fruits, and pests. Also Opossums are of great interest for scientists since they are the only marsupials in America, while Australian marsupials are driven to extinction by more modern mammals.

Weight: 9-13 lbs (4-6 kg). Some species reach only 300 gr.
Length: 15-20 inches (38-50 cm). Some species are 10-12 inches.
Life Span: 1-2 years in the wild, up to 10 years in captivity.

Opossums - Conservation

In the wild Opossums are closely linked with the ecology of the forests. Devastating fires destroy nest-sites and cause great declines in Opossums populations. Tall, straight trees favored by wild Opossums are highly valued for the production of timber. The technique of tree removing is very detrimental for all animals, including Opossums. The population crash has already begun and extinction of some species of Opossums in the South America and Australia is possible.

Picture courtesy of
Just Playin' Opossums

Opossums - Diet

Opossums don't have any methods for storing food or energy so they need stable food sources and that's why their diet is so varied. Opossums feed mostly on carrion. Other food sources for the Opossum include garbage, grass, leaves, insects, frogs, small birds and rodents, snakes, and earthworms. Opossums like to treat themselves with berries, seeds, flowers, and fruits and their favorites are persimmons, apples, and corn.

Opossums - Conservation and Rescue Links

Caring for Orphaned Opossums - Makes the whereabouts of good information available to those who need help quickly to care for orphaned or injured opossums.

Managing Opossums' Problems - Opossum regulating laws and conservation measures in Colorado.

National Opossum Society - An all-volunteer not-for-profit, tax-exempt charity, founded December 5, 1986.

Opossums - Problems of reproduction and management of Opossums and other marsupials.

Opossum Society of the United States - Dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured Opossums.

Opossums - Pictures

Picture courtesy of
Pet of the Day

Opossums, Didelphis Virginiana - How to control Opossums and keep them away from your house.

The Marin Humane Society - Problems of living with Opossums.

Opossums - Breeders Links

Dr Naomi Poran - Breeder of short-tailed Opossums, located in Raleigh, NC.

Pocket 'Possums - Breeder of Pocket Opossums of different colors.

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Opossum virginia farms and breeders are rare but out there if you would like one of these animals for a pet.