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As the opossum is not adapted to colder winters or heavy snow, its population may be significantly reduced if a colder winter with heavier snow occurs in a particular northern region. The Virginia opossum was not originally native to the West Coast of the United States.
Virginia opossums occupy a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to wet meadows, but prefer living in woodlands and thickets near a source of water. They can be found from lowlands to elevations of 3,000 meters.
17 paź 2024 · Virginia opossum, the only marsupial (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae) found north of Mexico. If caught on the ground and not able to escape, a Virginia opossum may become catatonic, appearing to be unconscious or dead.
Virginia opossums deal with extreme heat by cooling themselves down by spreading their saliva. They have a reputation for being very slow and clumsy. But they can show directional turns to avoid being captured when pursued. They can also swim or climb to escape from danger.
Interestingly, Virginia opossums possess unique physiological adaptations to cope with environmental challenges, such as extreme heat. When faced with elevated temperatures, these resourceful creatures employ a fascinating cooling mechanism by spreading saliva on their bodies.
Virginia opossums are currently listed as a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This animal’s ability to adapt to human altered habitats has made it extremely successful and widespread. Virginia opossums do not merely tolerate human settlements; they flourish and have a greater survival rate near them.
Virginia Opossums are nocturnal, awake mostly at night, and counter to common belief they are mostly terrestrial, living on the ground. They are very adept climbers and may den up in trees. During their active time, dusk until dawn, males will travel greater distances in search of food and mates.
