Opossums are a group of marsupials that live mainly in North and South America. They are mammals of all shapes and sizes, from small opossums the size of mice to large opossums the size of domestic cats. The best-known species is the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which is the largest opossum found north of Mexico.
Opossum coloring book to print
Coloring book possum for kids
Opossum to print
An opossum with a nimble tail hangs from a tree
Opossum for children
Opossum sits on a tree
Realistic possum
A family of possums in a tree
Opossum - interesting facts and information
- Appearance: Opossums have gray or black fur, large, hairy ears, sharp teeth and long, jackknife-shaped tails that can serve as a fifth limb for grasping tree branches.
- Diet: Opossums are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat. Their diet can include fruits, seeds, insects, rodents, birds, eggs, corpses and garbage.
- Behavior: Opossums are nocturnal and lead a solitary lifestyle. They are known for their unique defensive behavior of feigning death, commonly known as "pretending to be an opossum."
- Reproduction: Opossums are pouch-bearing, meaning that females have a pouch on their abdomen in which their young develop. Females can have several litters a year, with several young in each litter.
- Distribution and habitat: Opossums are very diverse in terms of habitat. They inhabit forests, grasslands, swamps and urban areas. They are widespread throughout the American continent.
- Threats: Opossums are generally resilient to human pressure and can survive in many habitats, including urban areas. However, they are sensitive to habitat loss, pollution, traffic and hunting.
Opossums are fascinating animals that have many unique characteristics, such as their ability to feign death, their pouch for their young and their omnivorousness. They are a valuable part of their ecosystems, as they eat many pests and wastes, helping to control the populations of other species and clean the environment.
