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OpossumBrenna and April DescriptionSizeA male opossum can weigh as much as 6 kg. A female is slightly smaller. From the tip of an opossum's nose to the tip of its tail it can be as long as 60 to 90 cm. Body CoveringAn opossum has a double layer of thick fur. It has a white outer coat of long guard hair to keep itself dry. The opossum's fur is silvery.The male is darker in colour. Distinguishing FeaturesAn opossum can hang by its tail. The opossum has an extra thumb which is its tail. In winter an opossum has to risk frostbite to get a drink. Family Life and ReproductionA baby opossum stays with its mother for 10 months. Then it leaves its mother. An opossum has as many as 20 babies every year. The mother has as many as 12 nipples with milk. The babies who don't get a nipple don't survive. Food and Eating HabitsAn opossum eats a lot of food. They have pouches like a kangaroo. An opossum eats a lot of insects, fruits, lizards, snakes, eggs, grass, and vegetables Where It LivesOpossums live in North America. The opossum lives in forests, in hollow trees, or in cities under porches. AdaptationsAn opossum has double layer of thick fur. The short hair keeps it warm and the long, outer hairs keep out cold and wet. An opossum has an extra thumb on each of its back paws for grip to climb up trees. The opossum has a strong tail that can keep it from falling up side down. Opossums hang by their tails. BibliographyDingwall, Laima. Nature's Children Opossum. Toronto: Grolier, 1985 Opossum", The World Book Encyclopedia Chicago World Book, inc. 1953 Vol. 15. |
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