Wildlife Removal Services Inc.

Opossum

Biology:   Opossums are the only marsupial in North America.  Habitats are diverse, ranging from arid to moist, wooded to open.  They prefer environments near streams or swamps.  They are usually active only at night, and usually live alone, having a home range of 10 to 50 acres.

Mating Habits:   Mating season is January to July in warmer areas, but may start a month later and end a month earlier in colder areas.  If young live until spring, they mate in their first year.  Opossums generally mate 2 but rarely 3 times per year.

Gestation Period:   Approximately 13 days is normal.  The young are born only one-half inch long, blind and helpless.  They must find their way into the female’s pouch and attach to a teat.

Birthing Times:   January to July.

Litter Size:   7 young is a typical litter, and they remain in the pouch for 7 to 8 weeks.

Life Span:  Most young die during the first year.  Maximum age in the wild is 7 years.

Foods:  Diet consists of animal matter, mainly insects or carrion.  They also eat fruits and grains.  Opossums living near people may eat from compost piles and garbage cans.

Hibernation:   Opossums do not hibernate.

Legal Status:  Not protected by federal law, but state & local regulations may apply.

Catch & Release Status:  It is ILLEGAL to release this or any animal on the land(s) of another without written permission from the landowner.  This is the LAW in the state of Ohio.