There’s no fake news like wildlife-related fake news.įemale opossums often lick their pouch and surrounding areas before giving birth, sometimes making a sneezing sound when they do. One of the wackiest myths is the once-common view that female opossums give birth out their nostrils. It’s probably unsurprising that an animal that transforms itself into a smelly corpse is going to be the subject of folk tales. The Nostril-Birther Myth Virginia opossum nose (this is not where baby Virginia opossums come from) photo © VA State Parks Staff/ Flickr.The opossum will remain in this unconscious state for minutes to hours. It is also commonly cited as a reason why you see so many road-killed opossums, but I found a lack of research support for this. So if the predator decides to gnaw on the opossum anyway, there’s no escape. This death-feigning strategy, as some sources note, is not without its risks. It emits a foul substance from its anus, the smell described as corpse-like.Ī predator is confronted with what appears to be dead, unhealthy prey, and may leave the opossum alone. Its teeth are visible, as if in a death grimace. It does indeed appear if the opossum is dead. The opossum has no control over this it’s involuntary. It basically faints and is in a state of unconsciousness. ![]() But if it is surprised by a predator, it will enter a catatonic state. One of the most commonly known habits of opossums is “playing dead” or, as it is frequently called, “playing possum.” This is real, although the opossum is not playing, which suggests there is some intent at work.Īn opossum, when confronted with a threat, will often hiss or bare its teeth. Playing Possum Virginia opossum playing dead © Tony Alter/ Flickr.And, as always, leave your own opossum observations in the comments. But there’s no need to embellish the opossum: it is a fascinating, adaptable creature that has found a way to live alongside humanity.Įnjoy these opossum facts. But the Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial found north of Mexico.Īs you might expect of such a peculiar-looking animal, the Virginia opossum is the subject of its fair share of folklore and myth. There are more than 110 species of opossums ranging across Central and South America (not to be confused with possums, an Australian order of mammals that aren’t closely related). It doesn’t look like anything else you see in field or forest.Īnd there is truth to this perception. But when you see one up close, you can’t help but be struck by just how utterly bizarre it is. It’s a familiar and common creature in many parts of North America. As it passes, you are struck by the thick, naked tail, the pointed snout, coarse fur and weirdly long fingers. Fruit, berries, vegetables, raw egg, peanut butter, and sardines are attractive bait options for possums.You’re walking through the woods at dawn when you see a cat-sized creature shuffling along. Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions that come with your cage trap for more specific directions. ![]() When the animal steps inside, it triggers this rod and snaps the door closed. Each cage trap is set in a slightly different manner, but most have a trigger rod or knob that must be pulled or twisted out when opening the door of the cage.Close an empty trap at dawn to prevent the accidental trapping of a diurnal animal. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |