Often called a "Possum", originally found in southeastern U.S., the Opossum has migrated north and westwards to Wisconsin, Colorado and Texas, and has even appeared in some Pacific Coast areas.

The only marsupial in North America, the Opossum suckles its young in a maternal pouch (as the Kangaroo and Koala Bear do). Two weeks after the parents mate, about 25 honeybee-sized babies are born. These young must drag themselves across two to three inches of abdominal fur to reach the warmth, nourishment and security of their mother's pouch. It's a matter of first come, first served. Those who reach one of the thirteen or so life-giving nipples clamp on tenaciously. About two months later, the eight or nine surviving young start to emerge. Mouse-sized, they will travel on their mother's back . . beady-eyed, gray-fluffed babies hanging on to her fur and rat-like tail for dear life.

At about four months of age, having learned the ways of survival from their mother, the young leave to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Using their scaly, prehensile tails for hanging and balancing, sharp claws, long fingers and almost thumblike rear toes for holding, these solitary, nocturnal tree-climbers will find enough insects, carrion, grains, seeds and fruit to survive.

Preyed upon by many larger animals, the Opossum has meager means of defense. If caught in the open, he has no alternative but to "play possum", rolling on his side and appearing dead. This very convincing death act (the animal's heart beat and respiration actually diminish) almost always serves the purpose of diverting danger. Once safe, this creature suddenly revives and gets on with his business.