Playing dead helps opossums avoid vicious predators like wild canines or pet dogs and cats. Their curled-up tails help them to carry the soft materials for nesting. Explorer John Smith gave the opossum its name from the Algonquian word apassum, meaning white beast. However, you can hear different kinds of sounds the opossum makes, including rumbling, growling, hissing, and screeching. Teenage Opossums Leave Their Moms Pouch, opossums have adapted easily to new territories, The Red Foxs SNEAKY Behavior (Stealing, Breaking In, and Being Clever), Red Foxes and Their Drinking Habits (What Do Foxes Drink? As a result, possums in captivity can live for up to six or seven years, or even longer in some cases. The larger size of the male opossum can influence their decreased survival rate compared to the female. Its dens may be in wood piles, hollow trees, spaces in buildings, dug burrows, and rock crevices. The average lifespan for the Virginia opossum is between two and four years. This is almost three times the average lifespan of an opossum in the wild. Opossums are excellent climbers, thanks to a prehensile tail and thumbs (called hallux) on its feet that help it keep a grip. An opossum playing dead can be very convincing and effective in evading predators. Overall, the lifespan of a possum can vary depending on a number of factors, including their environment and access to food and medical care. Opossums are carrion eaters, and often this includes roadkill. During day to day activity, they are almost silent, so it isn't easy to detect them. This keeps our pets happy and healthy. Size and color variation may depend on the habitat they are living. The average duration that an opossum in captivity lives is a little over six years if their owner properly cares for them. Birds of Prey They often dont attack pets, so your pets are likely to be safe from this wild animal. Opossums generally have larger litters to increase the chances of survival while investing few resources into parenting. Is it possible for an opossum to live a happy and healthy life as a pet? This was my first encounter with a Virginia opossum. The opossum uses scent and auditory signals to communicate with their joeys, mates, and potential aggressors. Virginia Opossum Courtship and Mating. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. ), snails, mice, and rats. This state of catatonia can last from a few minutes to four hours. This can be a little bit costly. In winter, they may venture indoors. Either through intentional harm or accidents, many humans distress the opossum. Lifespan The Virginia opossum has a cat-sized body; grey or whitish fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. As a pet, they may be able to live longer because they are not facing predators in the wilderness and trying to survive from them. Lets look at the opossums life cycle now that we know how long they live. Should You Keep a Short-Tailed Opossum as a Pet? - The Spruce Pets Whale in the wild they Are the "fare" so to speak. 4 Do Possums sleep in the same place every day? Fruits and vegetables are common choices for smaller animals like an opossum. Praying Mantis Common predators of the opossum are wild canines and wild felines who prey on this animal. Many don't make it, and even those that do often die in their first year of life. Sometimes, itll be down to natural causes. They can also be found close by rivers, lakes, streams, or other water sources. Its keeping your neighborhood clean! Once in the pouch, the young must attach to a nipple, or they do not survive. This helps them survive in many different environments and climates. Over the years, opossums have adapted easily to new territories, and surroundings, as well as to adapt their diet and food variety. If you don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. The male, called a jack, does not stick around to help the female raise the joeys. As a pet, they may be able to live longer because they are not facing predators in the wilderness and trying to survive from them. When talking about cats, they may possibly kill baby opossums (rat-sized). These treats should be mixed with regular dry pet food several times per day on a regular schedule. There have always been challenges with this concept, but some other animals have responded well to being a pet. They eat the leftovers and help clean the environment. In captivity, possums receive better care. There are over 100 different opossum species, ranging in size from the pocket-sized pygmy opossum to the domestic cat-sized Virginia opossum. They are prey to many predators, suffer diseases, and are often disposed of by humans while playing dead. Im Not a Pet. Thus hundreds of possum females diecarrying puppies in their pouches. You should also ensure that there are no other pets in your house while owning an opossum. These teen years are the short time between being a newborn opossum and becoming an adult. The average lifespan of the opossum is one to two years. Do you know if opossums can swim? But theyre not rodents even though they look similar in many ways. Learn all about the opossum. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The opossum is a mammal, but it is unusual. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Those who make it, latch onto a nipple for about 50 to 70 days. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How Long Do Possums Live - Possum Lifespan - Zooologist A marsupial is an animal that carries its young in a pouch. Males can find receptive females by scent. It may even work on humans who will avoid combatting the opossum. Monarch Butterfly In North America and Canada, the only marsupials we have is the opossum. This particular fauna intrigued European explorers. They use tree openings to build nests or use woodpiles and burrows from other animals. When they are 75 to 85 days old, they are weaned and rarely return to the pouch. Overall, the short lifespan of possums in the wild is due to a combination of factors, including predation by other animals, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and competition for food and resources. The mating season for opossums begins near the end of winter, in the time between January and February. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. However, in Australia, possum refers to an altogether different animal. They are hale and hearty for 95% of their lifespan, then begin to show clear signs of old age, and usually die within a month or so of the first signs. There are over 100 different opossum species, ranging in size from the pocket-sized pygmy opossum to the domestic cat-sized Virginia opossum. Known aptly as ''playing possum,'' the opossum is basically shocked into an involuntary coma-like state when threatened or scared. . In the wild, opossums are mostly solitary animals, but in captivity, they do well in pairs or small groups.Opossums are omnivores, which means they eat . Opossums are classified in the following way: It is interesting to note that while the order Didelphimorphia has only one family, there are more than sixty species within that family. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. We do support rehabilitation through the correct channels. The gray area shows the range of the Virginia opossum in 2010. How long do opossums live? - Quora Some pet companies even have formulated opossum food. During the breeding season (January to July in the United States), males and females find each other and mate. Their eyes may still be slightly open, their ears may twitch at sudden sounds, and they may notice shallow breathing and a heartbeat. How do I know if my harmonic balancer is seated? Find out here, NYTimes A Fast Life and Success That Starts in the Pouch, Sciencedirect Miscellaneous small mammal behavior, Cary Institute Opossums: Where Lyme disease goes to die, If you want to know more about why opossums play dead? The possum can live 2 to 3 years in the wild and up to 6 years in captivity. However, in the wild, opossums have a substantially lower life expectancy and seldom live past . Many of the New World explorers had never seen a marsupial at all. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How Long do Possums Live? [Surprising Answer] - Pest Resources There are several challenges to having an opossum as a pet. Since you may not be feeding them a proper raw prey model diet, you may need other supplements. She has a Master's Degree in Education from Western Governor's University and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Southern Methodist University. Live Weird, Die Young: The Virginia Opossum | The Outside Story The oldest opossum captured in the wild was only three years old. We do not agree with or endorse the keeping of wild animals or exotic animals as pets. Why do domesticated opossums have such a short lifespan? One of the main reasons for the short lifespan of possums in the wild is predation by other animals. The lifespan of the opossum varies depending on where the opossum lives and the number of nearby predators. Opossum - Wikipedia In addition to rolling over with their eyes rolling and tongues hanging out, they also release a foul smell from their anal glands to imitate decay and disease. The tail does not have any bones inside or hair on the outside. In the wild, they survive for only 1 or 2 years. Opossums have even been buried alive or thrown in rubbish bins, as they were thought dead. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Red Fox Like many other nocturnal wildlife, their hearing is acute. Opossums are considered an R-selected species. They arent afraid of humans and dont react from the shine of a flashlight. However, in the wild, opossums have a much lower life expectancy and do not commonly make it past their first year. Opossums are primarily nocturnal and are omnivorous, opportunistic hunters and foragers. Opossums are born after an 11-13 day gestation period. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mothers milk, if you are observing it in the wild. They may build their nest in your chimney, crawl space, and attic when looking for a den site in your house. Generally, female opossums live longer than males because they are more cunning and smaller. (2009), PanTHERIA: a species-level database of life history, ecology, and geography of extant and recently extinct mammals Richard Weigl (2005), Longevity of Mammals in Captivity; from the Living Collections of the World Savage et al. between 3-4 years Normal physiologic data. Known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and other diseases, the pesky creatures pose serious health threats when they invade urban environments. The possum can live 2 to 3 years in the wild and up to 6 years in captivity. 302 lessons. The lifespan of an opossum is relatively short for a mammal of its size. They will eventually die if they are unable to locate a teat to feed on. It could take some time for an opossum to become trustworthy and dependent on a human source for food and resources. The Virginia opossum, also called the North American or common opossum, is the only Didelphis species found north of Mexico. Bear However, that does not seem to keep them alive much longer. With 50 teeth in their mouths, there are many possibilities. As they grow and the pouch becomes full, the juveniles then ride on the mother's back until they are old enough to go out on their own. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. Several identifying factors can help you determine an opossums age, such as their eyes, weight, and tail length. They dont dig their own nest; instead, they prefer to move into the old den that has been uninhabited by other animals. They are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Sniffing Out Supper. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Opossums As Pets | Pet Opossum Care | Assorted Animals How Long Do Possums Live [Facts and Information] - Pest Control Weekly For Inquiries send emails to us at the following address. Most opossum populations are stable. If you notice a baby opossum is by themselves, they are likely in their teen years (or in this case, months). I feel like its a lifeline. Those that survive often catch rides on their mother's back. They set up their nests in trees or forest dens in the fallen hollow logs, piles of bushes, and rock crevices. It has a slow, side-to-side gait as it forages for food, usually at night. Diet and life expectancy of possums . - Definition & Facts, What is the Vernal Equinox? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. An opossum certainly can thrive as a pet. In the regions where it is legal to own an opossum, there are still a few challenges. In general, the longest that a possum has been recorded living is about seven years. They dont prefer to live in deeper parts of the forest. Tiger They are also a source of food for many other predators, including humans. An opossums tail is devoid of fur and helps him to attach himself to tree branches. There are many opossum species that live in every country in South America. Opossums sometimes use their tails to signal other opossums. Opossums have an average lifespan of one to two years in the wild. Since that time, its range has extended farther north as the climate allows. What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned opossum. Not only are they nocturnal marsupials native to the Americas, but they also have distinctive snouts, tails, and hind feet. Habitat of the opossumThey prefer the woody habitats; most opossums live in the deciduous forests that shed their leaves. However, since the lifespan of each opossum varies, it is difficult to determine whether male or female opossums live longer. After birth, the helpless babies must crawl into their mother's pouch in order to nurse and continue development. Humans and domesticated animals like dogs and cats also pose a problem to the small opossum. The catatonic state can last for up to four hours, and has proven effective as a deterrent to predators looking for a hot meal. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuOj6rMAJOQ)Do opossums make good pets? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. As marsupials, opossums have a fascinating life cycle. It is recommended to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are just playing dead. Their strong sense of smell helps them find a variety of decaying food, and they prefer to follow the scent of decaying flesh. In the wild, Opossums are omnivores, eating all . They have been observed near roadkill, a hazardous food source as cars barrel down on them. Opossums have many adaptations to help them survive in a variety of climates. They are marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas. Opossums are roughly the size of a grain of rice when they are born. However, they seem to do everything else right. This relatively short lifespan is due to a number of factors, including predation by other animals, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and competition for food and resources. Opossums need a lot of exercise and a regular diet. An organismsDarwinian fitnessis calculated as the number of offspring it leaves behind that survive to reproduce. Opossums dont generally have a lengthy life expectancy in the wilderness. By supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, you are our ally in saving and protecting wildlife worldwide. In Massachusetts for instance, any wild or exotic animal that is not on their exotic animal list or domestic list, can not be owned as pets, including Opossums. R-selected species do generally not spend much time protecting or rearing their young, and opossums often dont reach adulthood. They occasionally let go of the nipple at this point as they will soon emerge from the pouch. Moose The opossum is an avid foodie who will eat anything and everything it finds, as you may have noticed by seeing one digging through your garbage can. Oh, Possum. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half. Answer (1 of 5): One thing to remember about opossums is not only do they have short lifespans, they tend to hit old age all at once. Although it is not as noticeable as that of the kangaroo, it is certainly very important. "Opossums do not fare well in captivity" has to be the worst line of the whole article. Let us consider the similarities and differences. . But opossum droppings are not broken in small pieces and are generally one large dropping. (With Examples). Opossum: Lifespan and Life Cycle. The story goes that the name opossum was first used in western culture by Captain John Smith in 1608. When threatened or harmed by dogs, foxes, bobcats, or other predators, opossums may "play possum," appearing to be sick or dead. The opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, found in the U.S. Their fresh droppings are brown in color. Basic Information Sheet: Virginia Opossum - LafeberVet In many cases, he is released into a habitat that does not belongto him, which causes him to die. Opossums | Diet, Lifespan & Habitat | Study.com That's potentially 112 young in their lifetime. Female opossums, called jills, give birth to up to about 20 tiny live young per litter. The joeys eyes eventually open after approximately 60 to 70 days in the pouch. A well-ventilated aquarium (at least 20 gallons) with a tight-fitting lid or a narrow-mesh wire cage should work well. It has oddly shaped wide feet and five toes. She, in turn, will make clicking sounds. That comes with a mix of cornmeal, blood meal, blueberries, cranberries, dried insects, larva, and other supplements that keep an opossum healthy. There is a chance they can receive important medical care when needed (although it can be difficult to find a specialized vet who can care for your pet opossum if that is the case). It is an excellent climber and a decent swimmer. Most species of opossum are immune to venom and can safely eat rattlesnakes and vipers. Flexible in habit, this opossum ranges from southern Canada, and south into Nicaragua and Honduras. So, whats the deal with their short lifespans? Siberian Tiger The best thing to do upon finding an injured or seemingly dead opossum is to leave it in a quiet place with a clear exit path. This competition can be intense, and possums that are unable to find enough food and water may die as a result. Opossums have also adapted well to urban living. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Are opossums considered to be an exotic pet? The main reason the wild opossum lives a short life is because of predation and external intervention. . They may even have ingested poison left out for rats by humans. When you picture a mammal that has a pouch to carry its young, what comes to mind? Opossums are the most significant order of marsupials in the northern hemisphere and consist of over one hundred species. It is also important not to overfeed your opossum. The highly recognizable kangaroo is a likely answer. When all else fails, they play possum," and act as if they are dead. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. A opossum with open eyes is likely to be at least 70 days old. Blue Whale While they dont need an overwhelming amount of space, larger cages will be beneficial to their physical and mental health. Weight But in captivity, opossums can live up to 8 years old!The opossum is a nocturnal animal, meaning it sleeps during the day and is active at night. A single opossum can eat about 5,000 ticks per year, protecting other wildlife (and humans) from tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. They dont waste the food that they find. Its legal to own a pet opossum as long as you have the appropriate regional permits to do so. Can you use a stagecoach day rider on any bus? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. If you are looking for the answer (Yes or no) to the question, are opossums dangerous? The answer is most definitely, Yes!Do Opossums Attack Pets?They are passive in nature and shy away from conflict. Their offspring have a unique cry, and their mothers respond to them with clicking sounds.They are not noisy animals, but they generate hissing, clicking and growling sounds as well. They generally live for about 2 - 4 years. Known, Red foxes are an iconic species found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, from North America, What do Possums Eat Possums Diet What to Feed Possums, How Long Do Grasshoppers Live Grasshoppers Lifespan, How Long Do Polar Bears Live Polar Bear Lifespan, Polar Bear Life Cycle Birth to Death, Stages, Facts, Diagram, Worksheet, Adaptations Of A Grizzly Bear Behavioral, Structural & Physiological, How strong are gorillas compared to humans, Adaptations Of A Red Fox Behavioral, Structural & Physiological, Polar Bears and Grizzly Bears Mate: An In-Depth Look at Hybrid Bears, How Strong Is A Praying Mantis Unraveling the Secrets of Natures Powerful Predator, Adaptations Of A Wolf Behavioral, Structural & Physiological. Penguin Why do opossums live so short in captivity? - signalduo.com The print of the back foot is slightly larger. There are plenty of other factors that change and bring about new obstacles to opossums living the good life with humans. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But cats and adult opossums have been seen to show mutual respect for oneanother. Whats your superpower? Only around half of the opossums make it out of the bag. During the estrus season, female opossums will accept a male just once. This animal is omnivorous; it feeds on fruits and seeds, but especially on insects and other small animals such as frogs, snakes, birds, earthworms, insects, and small mammals. The front print settles in the V forefinger of the hind print and the thumb. Although some live longer, the average lifespan of the opossum is only 1-2 years. Arctic Fox Since opossums have adapted nicely to living among human habitation, sometimes young opossums get rescued by the well-intentioned public and raised as a pet. Opossums are prey to many predators, including dogs, coyotes, birds of prey, and giant snakes. An Opossum's Lifespan - How Old Do Opossums Get? - Floofmania Being solitary animals, opossums avoid each other. Although the word play suggests a conscious act, this catatonic defense mechanism is actually a completely involuntary and automatic physiological response to danger. Additionally, they are prone to a variety of parasites, leading to illness, disease, and most often death. Measuring about 2.5 feet in length, it is about the size of a house cat. An opossum in captivity can live longer. Also, make sure that there is always an available source of water so that your opossum doesnt become dehydrated.