This November, we’re celebrating Wildlife Wednesdays with unique stories of gratitude for the animal kingdom. From pollination to pest management, follow along with this month-long blog series each Wednesday to learn why we have much to thank the wild, wacky world of wildlife for. In the previous blog, we explored the connection between turkey vultures and climate change, and why we should show gratitude for these underappreciated heroes. Be sure to check it out here.
Marsupial mothers
All about the opossum
In Florida, opossums are found in a variety of habitats, but prefer thick, wooded areas close to a body of water. These unique mammals are nocturnal, opportunistic omnivores, which means that they are most active at night, can eat both plant matter and meat like us, and that they will consume a wide variety of foods that are easily accessible to them. Opossums have around 50 teeth- more than any other land-dwelling mammal in North America! When threatened, opossums may open their mouth wide to show off their many teeth as a warning for other animals to stay away.
The details are in the diet
As the only marsupial mammals in the United States, opossums are pretty interesting animals. But why should we be grateful for their presence?
Opossums play important roles in their local habitats. They help maintain clean and balanced forest ecosystems by consuming a variety of other insects, scavenging for dead animals, and serving as prey animals for other predators. Opossums are additionally able to consume a variety of snake species- even venomous ones, as they are resistant to the venom from species like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes (Fitzwilliam & Boughton, 2020). And, for the cherry on top, opossums are less likely to carry rabies (Fitzwilliam & Boughton, 2020).
Show your opossum appreciation
Learn more about opossums
If you would like to learn more about this interesting animal, the following resources may be helpful:
- UF/IFAS Extension Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Virginia Opossum
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Guide to Living With Opossums
- What should you do if you find a baby opossum?
See you next week for another story of gratitude!
Find more blogs in the Stories of Gratitude for the World of Wildlife series.
Resources
- Fitzwilliam, S. & Boughton, R. K. (2020). Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Virginia Opossum. EDIS. doi.org/10.32473/edis-uw471-2020