Opossum Facts: Habitat, Diet, Size and Behavior Accurate Info
“OPOSSUM Range: Eastern half of the U.S., down into Central America. Common across the South. Habitat: Wooded areas, creek bottoms, suburban neighborhoods, under your porch, in your shed. Diet: Omnivore. Bugs, fruit, carrion, eggs, pet food. They ain't picky about much. Average Size: 4 to 14 pounds. Season: Year-round nuisance removal in most Southern states. Fur season in the fall and winter. Method: Cage traps with bait. They walk into just about anything. Not the smartest animal in the woods.”
Summary
Opossums occur from the eastern United States down through Central America and have also spread into western states, thriving in woodlands, farms and suburban neighborhoods. They are omnivorous, typically weigh 4‑12 lb (up to about 15 lb), and are commonly trapped year‑round with cage traps, but there is no established fur‑season industry. The statement is largely correct except for the overly limited range description and the inaccurate fur‑season claim.
Sources 60 searched
- Opossum
Range Opossums are found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, south through Central America.
- Virginia Opossum
Description The opossum is a medium-sized animal that measures between 15 and 20 inches long (not including the tail) and weighs between 4 and 12 pounds. It has long, coarse, grayish-white fur.
- Opossums | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Except for higher elevations, opossums now occupy most human-occupied habitats in western Washington. Prior to European settlement of North America, the opossum was found only in Central America and the southeastern United States.
- Opossum | Game Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Mature opossums are 24 to 40 inches long, including a 10- to 12-inch tail. They weigh 4 to 12 pounds. Males are larger and heavier than females. The average adult is about the size of a large house cat.
- SCDNR - Mammal - Species - Opossum
Opossums thrive in both woodlands and farmlands and are also commonly found in residential areas. Range The only marsupial native to the United States, the opossum is found from the plains states to the Atlantic coastal states, and from Mexico to southern Ontario.
- Opossum - Pennsylvania Game Commission
Mature opossums are 24 to 40 inches long, including a 10- to 12-inch tail. They weigh 4 to 12 pounds. Males are larger and heavier than females. The average adult is about the size of a large house cat.
- Learn about opossums | Mass.gov
The opossum is an agile climber and good swimmer. Adults weigh 4–11 pounds and measure approximately 2–3 feet in length, including a long hairless tail. It uses its prehensile (grasping) tail to stabilize itself as it walks along tree branches. The hind feet have an opposable big toe that ...
- Virginia Opossum: Our Only Native Marsupial - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The opossum is a common inhabitant of North America. Native to Central America and the southern United States, opossums have expanded their range northward over the past 100 years. Their range now extends as far north as Ontario, Canada.
- Opossum / Home and Landscape / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM)
Opossums are about 2 to 3 feet long, including the tail, and weigh up to 15 pounds, although most fall within the 4 to 7 pound range. Males are usually larger than females. Their feet resemble small hands with five widely spread fingers. All of the toes have a claw except for the opposable ...
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