Also known as possum, the opossums are marsupial mammals of the order Didelphimorphia, and are the largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, comprising of 103 or more species in 19 genera.

Scientific Name – Didelphidae

Classification – Marsupialia

Gender Names – Male – jack; Female – jill; Baby – joey

Length/Size and Weight – Varies between subspecies – ranging in size from a small mouse to a large house cat

Life Expectancy – Varies between subspecies

Mating Season – Varies between subspecies

Gestation Period – 12-13 days

Special Features – Long prehensile tail and sharp claws

Social Structure – Varies between subspecies

Geographical Distribution – In different regions throughout both the Americas

Natural Habitat – Varies between subspecies

Conservation Status – Varies between subspecies

Diet – Snails, slugs, birds, eggs, frogs, carrion, rodents, insects, plants, fruits and grains; also consume human food, table scraps, dog and cat foods etc.

Predators – Birds of prey such as owls and eagles, dogs, foxes and cats