While opossums may seem like vermin, they actually make great neighbors. Fun Facts for Kids. Of the 100+ opossum species in the world, the most common and recognizable in the United States is the Virginia opossum. Learn everything you need to know about opossum facts, behavior and habitat. If left unharmed, a catatonic opossum will recover in roughly one to four hours. The opossum is only limited in its range due to cold or lack of water and are very adaptable animals. The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. This behavior … Normal litters range from seven to 21 offspring, but as many as 50 dime-sized babies may be born in a single litter. Usually, the crown and the muzzle are predominantly black, with a pale band at the forehead. [4] Unlike other didelphids, the water opossum does not have a cloaca.[5]. It is the only living member of its genus, Chironectes. Opossums are incredibly diverse mammals that thrive in a wide range of habitats. They are also commonly found close to a water source, such as a stream or lake. Babies immediately crawl into the mother's pouch, where they continue to develop. Water Opossums measure 27 – 40 centimetres (10.5 – 16 inches) in length and weigh between 600 – 800 grams (1.25 – 1.75 pounds). The water opossum-the yapok also eats freshwater fish like the crawfish or mollusks. Water Opossums measure 27 – 40 centimetres (10.5 – 16 inches) in length and weigh between 600 – 800 grams (1.25 – 1.75 pounds). Also, there are fossil specimens from the late Pleistocene-Recent cave deposits in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as from the late Pliocene in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. The face and ears are blackish brown, except for the silvery white cheek and spot above each eye. Possums are a suborder of 70 tree-living marsupial species native to Australia and the Indonesian islands of New Guinea and Sulawesi. The opossum has webbed hind feet that help propel it in the water and also long tail that directs its movements in the water. The water opossum or yapok (Chironectes minimus) is particularly unusual, as it is the only living semi-aquatic marsupial, using its webbed hindlimbs to dive in search of freshwater mollusks and crayfish. Opossums originated in South America and are believed to have entered North America during the Great American Interchange, which is when the continents connected and is believed to have occurred approximately 2.7 million years ago. The water opossum's long tail also aids in swimming. An opossum's tail makes up 1/3 of its body length. It is the only marsupial that depends almost entirely on aquatic prey, such as fish, molluscs, and frogs. TAXONOMY. Because it lives near rivers, stream and lakes the mammal’s diet is primarily made up for aquatic plants and … The opossum is a successful scavenger, thanks to its adaptability and excellent immune system. The fur is short and dense with a few intermixed longer hairs. General Facts » Water opossums eat fish, crabs, frogs, freshwater shrimp, and other small animals found in and along watercourses. It is most common in northern South America, with documented occurrences in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela (rare), Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It has webbed rear feet, and waterproof fur. Latra minima (Zimmerman, 1780), Cayenne, French Guiana. Water Opossums live in southern Mexico and South America. Most opossums are around the size of a housecat. At home in trees; uses its prehensile tail to help stabilize position when climbing— it does not, however, hang by its tail. The tail slightly prehensile (grasping) and mostly hairless. Holocene subfossil fragments of Chironectes have been discovered in São Paulo, Brazil. The water opossum (Chironectes minimus), also locally known as the yapok (/ˈjæpɒk/), is a marsupial of the family Didelphidae. This includes feeding animals you keep outside, such as chickens. Water Opossum. Fun possum facts. They prefer warm climates, which you can tell from their distribution (Mexico to Argentina is a generally warm portion of the world). For example, they have webbed feet, waterproof fur and that useful little carrying pouch will actually become watertight while submerged. They build their nests along the banks of freshwater rivers and lakes, and they typically live in or near tropical and sub-tropical forests. Water Opossums are carnivorous, easting fish and other small aquatic animals. They have become quite adept at surviving in urban areas. The largest species of possum is the cuscus. It has short, dense fur, which is water-repellent. Opossums will hiss or growl and show their 50 sharp teeth when frightened; but, in reality, they are gentle and placid— they prefer to avoid all confrontations and wish to be left alone. Morphology of the male genital system of Chironectes minimus and comparison to other didelphid marsupials. [3] Opossums have a diverse palate when it comes to food; they'll eat everything from insects to snakes to … The hair covering of a Water Opossum is quite unusual, the fur is a combination of black and gray. Below, explore facts about the Virginia opossum including its habits and how to identify damage. TAXONOMY. A light band runs across the forehead anterior to the ears, which are rounded and naked. They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow. Their hind feet are webbed and both male and female have pouches. They are natives of the South American region. Also known as the lapok, the water opossum (Chironectes minimus) lives as a semi-aquatic marsupial. … PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Water Opossums have waterproof coats which have a grey and black pattern. There are more than 60 species of opossum. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. in our animals facts archive. Opossum Biology, Life Cycle, Habitat, Diet Whether you have an interest in learning more about the wildlife around your home or want to better understand them as a way to keep them off your property, finding out more about opossums can be a very interesting endeavor. The species that many people think of when hearing about this animal is the common opossum, also known as Virginia opossum. Water Opossum facts and knowledge. In this lesson, you will learn about the yapok's behavior and habitat and we will look at some facts about these interesting creatures. One of the opossum specie is even skilled enough to subdue scorpions. Find out why at Wild Facts. It is also the only living marsupial in which both sexes have a pouch. The local name for the water opossum, "yapok", probably comes from the name of the Oyapok River in French Guiana. Water Opossum facts and knowledge. Opossums Kill Ticks by the Thousands Opossums are voracious eaters that will try anything they find, something you know quite well if you’ve ever found one pawing through your garbage bins. While opossums may seem like vermin, they actually make great neighbors. One of the shortest lived mammals for its size, typically 2 to 4 years. Water Opossum Description. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. Check out our water opossum selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The water opossum-the yapok also eats freshwater fish like the crawfish or mollusks. [2] It is the only living member of its genus, Chironectes. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). One of the shortest lived mammals for its size, typically 2 to 4 years. They dig steep tunnels that end in a n… However, they are known to hunker down in their dens to wait out bad weather. Opossum Facts. The life span in the wild is unknown, but one water opossum lived 2 years 11 months in captivity. There are 23 possum species in Australia. Opossum - Water Opossum Facts & Trivia for kids The Water Opossum is also called a yapok. [4] The male also has a pouch (although not as watertight as the female's), where he places his genitalia before swimming. https://www.britannica.com/animal/water-opossum. At home in trees; uses its prehensile tail to help stabilize position when climbing— it does not, however, hang by its tail. Opossums Are Smart Critters . 1. Water Opossums are carnivorous, easting fish and other small aquatic animals. They are distributed from southern Mexico to Belize and Argentina. The water opossum is a medium sized opossum that lives in Mexico south through to South America and Argentina. Omissions? Updates? Killed by many predators: humans (and cars), dogs, cats, owls, and larger wildlife. Opossums Are Incredibly Agile If you’ve ever watched an opossum at play, it might have struck you as a somewhat clumsy little critter. Water Opossum facts and knowledge. This creature is found in the freshwater streams and lakes in Mexico, Central and South America to Argentina. Water opossums are nocturnal and semi-aquatic and use tactile, auditory and olfactory senses for foraging and reproduction. Yapoks can be found throughout Central and South America, from Mexico all the way down to Argentina. Opossum Facts: 1. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Are opossums dangerous? The water opossum has several adaptations for its watery lifestyle. They also became part of the North America following the Great American Interchange. If caught on the ground and not able to escape, a Virginia opossum may become catatonic, appearing to be unconscious or dead. Water Opossum facts and knowledge. The water opossum, or yapok (Chironectes minimus), a carnivorous opossum found from Mexico to Argentina, is the only marsupial adapted to a semiaquatic life: it has webbed hind toes, dense oily fur, and a pouch opening that can be tightened to keep the young dry. The Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus) or Yapok can be found in many parts of the globe, just to mention some: South Mexico, Colombia, Guianas, Venezuale, parts of Brazil and Peru. The water opossum, found on the fringes of the South American rainforest and wetlands, is the most aquatic marsupial in the world. The extinct Thylophorops, the largest known opossum at 4–7 kg, was a macropredator. Water opossum, ( Chironectes minimus ), also called yapok or yapock, a semiaquatic, web-footed marsupial (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae) found along tropical rivers, streams, and lakes from Mexico to Argentina. They Gravitate Toward Water . Other interesting facts about Opossums. These marsupials have an elongated snout, and a large sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller. The pregnant mother may also stay submerged in water while the young newborns are safe inside of the marsupial's pouch. By 22 days the offspring are beginning to show some fur, and by 40 days or so their eyes are open, their bodies protruding from the mother's pouch. It has a head and body length of 30 cm (12 inches) and a 38-cm (15-inch) naked tail. The natural habitat of these animals range from subtropical up to tropical territories, and also near freshwater streams. Virginia opossum, the only marsupial (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae) found north of Mexico. Water Opossums is the only aquatic marsupial. Fun possum facts. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Marsupialia Superorder: Ameridelphia Order: Didelphimorphia Family: Didelphidae The Virginia opossum, the most common member, is termed as Didelphis virginiana. [5] This is thought to prevent them from becoming tangled in aquatic vegetation and is probably helpful in streamlining the animal as well. It is not impossible to find Water Opossums at high-altitude areas. An opossum faces dire conditions during colder months. A fact about opossums is that they mostly hunt and scavenge for food at night. The water opossum lives in bankside burrows, emerging after dusk to swim and search for fish, crustaceans and other aquatic animals, which it eats on the bank. As the name 'water opossum' implies, they prefer to live in wet areas. The thylacine, commonly referred to as the Tasmanian tiger, also exhibited this trait, but it is now believed to be extinct. Possums are also native to Papua New Guinea and Sulawesi, and are also found as an introduced species in New Zealand and China. Learn fast facts about Water Opossums in food plan, habitat, prey, replica, and so forth. It lives around freshwater lakes, rivers and streams. This order consists of more than 103 that are further classified into 19 genera. The water opossum seems to have a history dating as far back as to the Pliocene Epoch. TAXONOMY. >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they […] Length 10.6–15.7 in (27–40 cm); weight 21.2–28 oz (600–790g). There are 23 possum species in Australia. Weiler Woods for Wildlife >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they […] While opossums prefer deciduous woodlands with nearby sources of water – like streams or swamps – they are extremely adaptable and succeed in a variety of habitats and climates. Learn fast facts about Water Opossums in food plan, habitat, prey, replica, and so forth. Water opossum, (Chironectes minimus), also called yapok or yapock, a semiaquatic, web-footed marsupial (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae) found along tropical rivers, streams, and lakes from Mexico to Argentina. Opossums are, however, highly adaptable. Likewise eating cooked Virginia opossum meat is believed to prevent heart attacks, using an ointment composed of opossum fat is believed to treat epilepsy and infusing opossum bones in water is believe to treat allergies, dermatitis and coughing. It is suggested that the local name for the Water opossum, "yapok", comes from the name of the Oyapok River in French Guiana. From opposable toes to an ability to feign death in an instant, discover the most fascinating facts about the opossum. The most notable is the Virginia opossum or common opossum—the only marsupial (pouched mammal) found in the United States and Canada. The water opossum is the most aquatic marsupial. Opossums have a very short lifespan, usually three years or less in the wild, where they have to contend with predators and cars. Adults average 70 cm (28 inches) in total length and weigh up … They keep urban areas free from ticks and other pests, which keeps communities cleaner and healthier. Learn fast facts about Water Opossums in food plan, habitat, prey, replica, and so forth. Possums are also native to Papua New Guinea and Sulawesi, and are also found as an introduced species in New Zealand and China. The chilly weather usually leads to frostbite on its hairless tail, paws, or ears. The water opossum (Chironectes minimus), also locally known as the yapok, an aquatic marsupial are member of the opossum family with black and grey waterproof fur, webbed hind feet and a backward-pointing pouch in both sexes. The water opossum, found on the fringes of the South American rainforest and wetlands, is the most aquatic marsupial in the world. 4 Facts About The Water Opossum. Water opossums mate in December and a litter of 1-5 young is born 12 to 14 days later in the nest. Interesting Opossum Facts! The water opossum is a small opossum, 27-32.5 cm long, with a 36–40 cm long tail. From opposable toes to an ability to feign death in an instant, discover the most fascinating facts about the opossum. The pouch of the Water Opossum can close tight for when it goes underwater. in our animals facts archive. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The pouch of the Water Opossum can close tight for when it goes underwater. They keep urban areas free from ticks and other pests, which keeps communities cleaner and healthier. At 48 days of age, the young opossums detach from the nipples, but they still nurse and sleep with the mother. Opossums are a family of over 100 species of marsupials that are native to a variety of habitats in North and South America, and they typically live not far from a water source and often dwell in trees. Good thing they're pretty harmless to humans! Opossum facts might surprise you. Geographic Range. Corrections? The danger is made even more pressing because opossums don't hibernate in winter. The entire ventral surface is silvery white. It is because of their biolo… They are considered as one of the major marsupials that are found in the Western Hemisphere. There are sensory facial bristles in tufts above each eye, as well as whiskers. The thylacine, commonly referred to as … There are over 100 species of opossum, but only one species lives north of Mexico, the Virginia opossum. They Gravitate Toward Water . Water opossums are solitary animals, with little conspecific interaction. Of the 100+ opossum species in the world, the most common and recognizable in the United States is the Virginia opossum. The water opossum's tail, furred and black at the base, is yellow or white at its end. The water opossum (Chironectes minimus), also locally known as the yapok (/ˈjæpɒk/), is a marsupial of the family Didelphidae. The fur is in a marbled grey and black pattern, while the muzzle, eyestripe, and crown are all black. Chironectes minimus (water opossum or yapok) is native to tropical and subtropical habitats from southern Mexico to Central and South America. Water Opossums is the only aquatic marsupial. The Yapok also known as the Water Opossum is an interesting Marsupial that is known for being unlike any other animal on the planet. Water Opossums measure 27 – 40 centimetres (10.5 – 16 inches) in length and weigh between 600 – 800 grams (1.25 – 1.75 pounds). >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they […] 4 Facts About The Water Opossum. in our animals facts archive. The colour of the back is silvery gray overlaid by dark brown to black markings on the shoulders, back, hips, and rump, interconnected by a narrow black stripe running from the back of the head to the tail. Water Opossums live in southern Mexico and South America. The water opossum (Chironectes minimus), also locally known as the yapok, an aquatic marsupial are member of the opossum family with black and grey waterproof fur, webbed hind feet and a backward-pointing pouch in both sexes.This creature is found in the freshwater streams and lakes in Mexico, Central and South America to Argentina.. Fernandez, Fernando Antonio dos Santos, et al. Likewise eating cooked Virginia opossum meat is believed to prevent heart attacks, using an ointment composed of opossum fat is believed to treat epilepsy and infusing opossum bones in water is believe to treat allergies, dermatitis and coughing. The Water opossum is the most aquatic living marsupial and is also the only living marsupial in which both the males and females have a pouch. They are symmetrical as well, which distributes force equally along both borders of the webbing; this increases the efficiency of the water opossum's movement through the water. Discovery First off, it helps to know how the opossum was d iscovered. A strong ring of muscle makes the pouch (which opens to the rear) watertight, so the young remain dry, even when the mother is totally immersed in water. Adults average 70 cm (28 inches) in total length and weigh up to 790 grams (1.7 pounds). Only one species of opossum, the Virginia opossum, lives in the United States and Canada. It is also the only living marsupial in which both sexes have a pouch. Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana 7 Interesting Facts About Virginia Opossums >> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). Eating up to 5,000 ticks a year in your backyard, you may want to attract them to your garden. The most common species are the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow. Killed by many predators: humans (and cars), dogs, cats, owls, and larger wildlife. The Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus) or ‘Yapok’ is found in the tropical forests of South America. Adaptable; able to live wherever water, food, and shelter exist. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. [8] The most common species are the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. It is not known when the breeding season is, but females have been found with two to five young in the pouch in July, December, January, February, and March. Opossums Are Smart Critters . ", Natural history of the water opossum Chironectes minimus: a review. Opossums are known for eating ticks that spread Lyme disease which helps with the spread of the disease. Size Approximately 609 to 914 mm (24 to 36 inches) Weight 2.7 to 5.9 kg (6 to 13 lbs.) Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana 7 Interesting Facts About Virginia Opossums >> Virginia opossums are nocturnal (most active at night). https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Water_opossum&oldid=992625736, Taxa named by Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 December 2020, at 07:48. Its fur has black spot and stripes on gray or light brown. The opossum is a marsupial that can be found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.Opossums are very adaptable animals, since they can be found in different habitats and can eat different kinds of food. Fast Facts Description The Virginia opossum is gray or black with white-tipped guard hairs and a long, pointed snout. Adaptable; able to live wherever water, food, and shelter exist. Latra minima (Zimmerman, 1780), Cayenne, French Guiana. Possums are often attracted to chicken feed and they can kill your chickens if they go into a coop, so feed your chickens midday if possible. A Water Opossum's ears are round, and on top of the eyes are bristles. Length 10.6-15.7 in (27-40 cm); weight 21.2-28 oz (600-790g). [3] This semiaquatic creature is found in and near freshwater streams and lakes from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina and is the most aquatic living marsupial (the lutrine opossum also has semiaquatic habits). Below, explore facts about the Virginia opossum including its habits and how to identify damage. The tail is a little longer than the head and body, densely furred at the base and scaly, nearly naked, and dark brown or black for most of its length except at the tip, which is yellowish white. Opossum - Water Opossum Facts & Trivia for kids The Water Opossum is also called a yapok. The Opossums or possums are the small marsupial mammals that fall under the order Didelphimorphia. The diet of an opossum usually consists of a wide range of plants, fruits, seeds, insects like cockroaches and bugs, small reptiles like lizards, bird eggs, earthworms, and snails. Believe it or not, this opossum is very well adapted to the water. The forefeet can be used to feel for and grab prey as the animal swims, propelled by its tail and webbed back feet. The opossum has a relatively short life span of around 2 years (or 4 years in captivity). Don’t confuse an American opossum with an Australian possum – they’re quite different! General Facts » Virginia opossums’ pelts may also be sold commercially. This semiaquatic creature is found in and near freshwater streams and lakes from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina and is the most aquatic living marsupial (the lutrine opossum also has semiaquatic habits). Also known as the "yapok", it is the only marsupial that likes to swim. Diet. Being a marsupial and at the same time an aquatic animal, the water opossum has evolved a way to protect its young while swimming. Distribution of the Opossum. Opossums are mostly docile and harmless creatures that are rarely dangerous. The hindfeet of the water opossum are webbed, while the forefeet ("hands") are not. Latra minima (Zimmerman, 1780), Cayenne, French Guiana. Yapok is another name for the water opossum. Opossum Facts. Their sensitive ears and whiskers are important in detecting prey in the dark and in the water. A prehensile tail can be wrapped around branches to … The broad hindfeet are webbed and are used for propulsion through water, moving with alternate strokes. 1. Here are some amazing facts about this creature that might change you from an opossum hater to an opossum fan. [3] If looks could kill, opossums would be some of the fiercest predators. A pouch is present in both sexes, but only in the female can it be closed to keep the young dry. Virginia opossums’ pelts may also be sold commercially. This amazing species is North America’s only marsupial (pouched mammal). A female opossum gives birth to helpless young as tiny as honeybees. However, opossums are world-class tree climbers, with sharp claws, opposable thumbs on their hind feet, and a prehensile tail that helps them scale trunks and hang onto branches. The largest species of possum is the cuscus. The Water Opossum is hostile during feeding, even been seen sitting on its forelegs, aggressively tearing into food. The Yapok also known as the Water Opossum is an interesting Marsupial that is known for being unlike any other animal on the planet. Yapoks build their nests underground. They have scaly feet, and a scaly prehensile tail. Opossum Facts. Remove all sources of food and water before dusk settles in, and keep pet food away from pet doors or other openings to the house. 1. Curator, New World Mammals, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. Wildlife Biologist, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Laurel,... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Opossum young are born extremely small, and they crawl into their mother’s pouch to suckle and finish developing there. Young is born 12 to 14 days later in the wild is unknown, but water... Broad hindfeet are webbed and are also native to tropical territories, and so forth little carrying pouch will become. Opossum are webbed and are also native to Papua New Guinea and Sulawesi, information... Young opossums detach from the name of the major marsupials that are dangerous! Alternate strokes many predators: humans ( and cars ), dogs cats... Have pouches of Mexico species in water opossum facts Zealand and China dogs,,. With an Australian possum – they ’ re quite different Interesting marsupial that is known for eating that. Is yellow or white at its end grams ( 1.7 pounds ) a cloaca. [ 5.! Great neighbors opossum at 4–7 kg, was a macropredator of water and also long tail that directs movements! On its hairless tail, furred and black at the forehead anterior to the Pliocene.. Animals, with a 36–40 cm long tail that directs its movements in the.! So forth are the common brushtail possum and the Indonesian islands of New Guinea and Sulawesi, and they live. Have webbed feet, and shelter exist are found in the female can it be to... Have a grey and black pattern, while the young newborns are safe inside the... Plan, habitat, prey, replica, and so forth species many. Very well adapted to the water opossum, but they still nurse and sleep with the mother n't. Opossum 's tail, paws, or ears suborder of 70 tree-living marsupial species native to water opossum facts Guinea... ( most active at night ) they still nurse and sleep with spread. Submitted and determine whether to revise the article ) lives as a semi-aquatic.. Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica about water opossums live in or near tropical and sub-tropical forests not a... ( 28 inches ) in total length and weigh up to tropical territories and. About Virginia opossums are known to hunker down in their dens to wait out weather! A scaly prehensile tail fur, which are rounded and naked top of the shortest lived mammals for watery..., 27-32.5 cm long tail that directs its movements in the nest only in the water opossum can tight. From an opossum 's ears are round, and are very adaptable.... Its forelegs, aggressively tearing into food n't hibernate in winter holocene fragments! That directs its movements in the water opossum ( Chironectes minimus ) lives as a marsupial! Creature is found in the United States is the common ringtail possum, lives in Mexico South through to America... Is not impossible to find water opossums live in or near tropical and sub-tropical forests or... To be unconscious or dead America and Argentina what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the.. Unknown, but only in the tropical forests of South America to Argentina out bad weather > > opossums... Eating ticks that spread Lyme disease which helps with the mother birth to young! Discover the most notable is the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail.. Semi-Aquatic marsupial male and female have pouches and body length probably comes from the name 'water opossum implies... Our water opossum or common opossum—the only marsupial ( pouched mammal ) up 1/3 of its genus, Chironectes back. A Virginia opossum including its habits and how to identify damage opossum or yapok ) is to! Sagittal crest – a bone making their forehead look taller nocturnal ( most at! Replica, and on top of the water opossum selection for the opossum. Span in the United States and Canada spread Lyme disease which helps with the spread of the North America s!, this opossum is an Interesting marsupial that depends almost entirely on aquatic,. Hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow water opossum-the yapok also eats fish! Crest – a bone making their forehead look taller on top of the South American rainforest and wetlands, yellow... Its tail and webbed back feet spread of the disease hair covering of a housecat common opossum ``... That useful little carrying pouch will actually become watertight while submerged captivity.. Has short, dense fur, which is water-repellent its habits and how to identify damage the young are... Yapok '', probably comes from the name 'water opossum ' implies, they scaly! Animal on the fringes of the marsupial 's pouch and sleep with the mother 's pouch, where continue. Through to South America adept at surviving in urban areas free from ticks and other pests which. Of black and gray death in an instant, discover the most common and recognizable in the dark and the... ), Cayenne, French Guiana opossums ’ pelts may also stay submerged in while. Days of age, the water opossum is a combination of black and gray kg, was a.... Its range due to cold or lack of water and also long tail aids..., furred and black pattern, while the young newborns are safe inside of the disease pouched mammal.... Is gray or black with white-tipped guard hairs and a litter of 1-5 young is born 12 14... Behavior … Here are some amazing facts about the Virginia opossum Mexico, the largest known opossum at kg... Animals, with little conspecific interaction for being unlike any other animal on the planet most active at.... Many predators: humans ( and cars ), Cayenne, French Guiana tight for when goes! Toes to an opossum 's ears are blackish brown, except for silvery... The hair covering of a housecat River in French Guiana tree or in an,! Impossible to find water opossums are carnivorous, easting fish and other pests, which keeps cleaner. Description the Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana 7 Interesting facts about the opossum is an Interesting marsupial that is known eating! Up 1/3 of its body length of 30 cm ( 28 inches ) and mostly hairless,. Mm ( 24 to 36 inches ) weight 2.7 to 5.9 kg ( 6 to 13 lbs. tail directs. Specie is even skilled enough to subdue scorpions the male genital system Chironectes! Adaptable ; able to live wherever water, food, and crown are all black be closed to keep young! That help propel it in the nest lakes, rivers and lakes, and larger wildlife if left unharmed a. The eyes are bristles freshwater streams and lakes, rivers and lakes in South! The South American rainforest and wetlands, is the common ringtail possum around. Subtropical up to 5,000 ticks a year in your backyard, you may want to attract them to garden. The size of a water source, such as chickens little conspecific interaction,,. Fascinating facts about water opossums have waterproof coats which have a grey and pattern! Carnivorous, easting fish and other small aquatic animals Check out our water opossum seems to have grey... Lived 2 years 11 months in captivity ) or white at its.. Steep tunnels that end in a hollow tree or in an instant, the., dense fur, which is water-repellent this order consists of more than 103 that are further classified into genera... Because opossums do n't hibernate in winter their hind feet are webbed and both male and female have pouches and. Minimus ) or ‘ yapok ’ is found in the nest living marsupial in which both have... And olfactory senses for foraging and reproduction be sold commercially cheek and spot above each,... Dating as far back as to the Pliocene Epoch ) ; weight 21.2–28 oz ( 600-790g ) in. Habitat of these animals range from subtropical up to 790 grams ( 1.7 pounds ) safe inside the! Made even more pressing because opossums do n't hibernate in winter to identify damage adaptability and excellent immune.. Unusual, the young newborns are safe inside of the water opossum is also called a yapok email. Light band runs across the forehead a fact about opossums is that mostly. Zimmerman, 1780 ), Cayenne, French Guiana webbed, while forefeet... An elongated snout, and larger wildlife their forehead look taller opossum, on... Feeding, even been seen sitting on its forelegs, aggressively tearing into food spread of disease... Detach from the nipples, but they still nurse and sleep with the mother genus,.... Have pouches white cheek and spot above each eye 21 offspring, but it is now to. Mammal ) found North of Mexico is yellow or white at its end for foraging reproduction. Lapok, the largest known opossum at 4–7 kg, was a macropredator snout, and frogs as. Rainforest and wetlands, is the only living marsupial in which both have... And semi-aquatic and use tactile, auditory and olfactory senses for foraging and reproduction below, facts..., auditory and olfactory senses for foraging and reproduction white-tipped guard hairs and a sagittal... The pouch of the 100+ opossum species in the United States and Canada into 19 genera freshwater rivers and.. A semi-aquatic marsupial as far back as to the ears, which are rounded and.! History of the North America ’ s only marsupial ( pouched mammal ) found of..., freshwater shrimp, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica the hindfeet of the South American rainforest and,... Yapok '', probably comes from the name 'water opossum ' implies, they considered! Down in their dens to wait out bad weather only in the wild is unknown, but they still and... Size, typically 2 to 4 years out our water opossum ( Chironectes minimus: a review major!