One of the most known habits of opossums is “playing dead” or, as it is frequently called, “playing possum.” An opossum, when confronted with a threat, will often hiss or bare its teeth. Or more likely, run. But if it is surprised by a predator, it will enter a catatonic state. It basically faints and is in a state of unconsciousness. The opossum has no control over this; it’s involuntary.

Opossums are marsupials belonging to the family Didelphidae and are found primarily in the Americas, with species ranging from North America to South America.

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the most well-known species of opossum and is found throughout the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Opossums have a distinctive appearance with long, hairless tails, pointed snouts, and opposable thumbs on their hind feet.

They are solitary and nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night and spend the daylight hours resting in dens or other sheltered locations.

Opossums are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, insects, small mammals, birds, carrion, and human food waste.

They are opportunistic feeders and are known for their scavenging behavior, often consuming roadkill and other carrion found along roadsides.

Opossums have a unique defense mechanism known as "playing possum," where they feign death or unconsciousness in response to threats, such as predators or human encounters.

They are excellent climbers and are also capable swimmers, allowing them to navigate various environments and escape from predators.

Opossums are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch on their abdomen after birth. They typically give birth to large litters of tiny, underdeveloped offspring, known as joeys.

Opossums have relatively short lifespans in the wild, typically living only 1-2 years due to predation, disease, and other factors.

They play important ecological roles as scavengers and seed dispersers, helping to clean up carrion and spread seeds of various plant species.

Opossums have been relatively successful at adapting to human-dominated landscapes and are commonly found in urban and suburban areas where they take advantage of food sources such as garbage and pet food.