One of its main characteristics is docility towards humans.Some people choose it as a pet.Despite this, the care that an opossum needs surpasses the good intentions of thosewho buy or catch it. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Video. (2009), PanTHERIA: a species-level database of life history, ecology, and geography of extant and recently extinct mammals Richard Weigl (2005), Longevity of Mammals in Captivity; from the Living Collections of the World Savage et al. They have a short lifespan of only two to four years, but they reproduce rapidly and have a stable population. In the wild, possums have an average lifespan of about two to four years. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. This information sheet reviews natural history, conservation status, and taxonomy, as well as a number of clinically relevant information including (but not limited to) diet, housing, behavior, normal physiologic data and . If an opossums eyes are open, that means they are at least sixty to seventy days old. The male opossum detects a female in heat while foraging at night. Why Do Opossums Die Fast? - North American Nature If unnoticed, an opportunistic opossum will make a nest in a garage or even attic spaces. This wild creature has a unique appearance, and most of us enjoy watching marsupials, at a safe distance. Well, they are actually responsible for killing thousands of ticks. Jaguar The captive specimens have a maximum life expectancy of about 4 years. There have always been challenges with this concept, but some other animals have responded well to being a pet. It measures between 65 and 85 centimeters long in total, including the tail which, alone, can be 40 cm. In captivity, however, they live about 3 years on average and can live for as long as 7 years. As soon as they are born, they cling to their mother's udder, where they will be breastfed for about 70 days, after which they are weaned and become independent. Ticks, particularly black-legged ticks such as deer ticks, which are responsible for the transmission of Lyme disease, appear to be a favorite of the opossum. Basically, their survival instinct sucks! Why do domesticated opossums have such a short lifespan? Many don't make it, and even those that do often die in their first year of life. Opossums give birth to typically 7 or 8 babies, or joeys, but can have up to 20 at one time. Teenage Opossums Leave Their Moms Pouch, opossums have adapted easily to new territories, The Red Foxs SNEAKY Behavior (Stealing, Breaking In, and Being Clever), Red Foxes and Their Drinking Habits (What Do Foxes Drink? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The possum can also eat highly toxic leaves. They are what people call opportunistic hunters and are often found sifting through trash cans. Since the opossum does not appear to be alive, these animals will lose interest in hunting their target. An opossum that is this old is no longer dependent on its mother. The majority are killed by predators and in road kills. The front print settles in the V forefinger of the hind print and the thumb. Wolf, In the animal kingdom, the idea of two different species mating and producing offspring is not, Have you ever come across a peculiar-looking insect with folded forelimbs, large eyes, and a head, Wolves are a remarkable species that have evolved a range of adaptations to help them survive, The grizzly bear is one of the most iconic and impressive animals in North America. The opossum is an interesting animal that many scientists believe has existed since the pre-historic era. Should You Keep a Short-Tailed Opossum as a Pet? - The Spruce Pets According to studies, their threatening sounds have a varied intensity and highly complex pitch. All will go through the cycle: embryo, juvenile, independent, adult . Once in the pouch, the young must attach to a nipple, or they do not survive. In captivity, North American Opossums can live up to 10 years. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Grizzly Bear If you notice a baby opossum is by themselves, they are likely in their teen years (or in this case, months). Virginia opossum Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits Maximum longevity 6.6 years (captivity) . Ultimately, opossums have a wide array of predators, which they must contend with during winter and summer. Young opossums that make it through development in the pouch are widely hunted by predators. They eat the leftovers and help clean the environment. Winter is a difficult time for opossums as their fur does not provide enough insulation, and many dont make it to the following year. Many injured opossums have been killed by well-meaning people who find a catatonic opossum and assume the worst. A female may give birth to up to 25 young in one litter, although often only around half of the joeys successfully make the journey into the pouch after birth. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It could take some time for an opossum to become trustworthy and dependent on a human source for food and resources. Babies are born just 13 days after mating, and they are tiny and extremely underdeveloped. Opossums that may have been startled, injured, or entered a catatonic state may be perceived as mortally harmed. Create an account to start this course today. The opossum is the only marsupial that lives in North America. - Mass, Density & Weight, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. There are plenty of other factors that change and bring about new obstacles to opossums living the good life with humans. During the estrus season, female opossums will accept a male just once. Opossums even birth larger litters to increase survival chances. An opossum is finally an adult once it leaves the pouch and is ready to live without its mom. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The lifespan of the opossum varies depending on where the opossum lives and the number of nearby predators. This can lead to a variety of problems. How Long Do Opossums Live In Captivity? Walrus Cleaning up carrion (dead stuff) has earned them the title, "Natures Little Sanitation Engineer.". They are also one species thats easy to identify and isnt easily confused with other local animals. A female may have up to 25 young in a single litter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Exotic animals need to have access to the correct care if you are going to keep them for a long period. Weight When you picture a mammal that has a pouch to carry its young, what comes to mind? . Scent glands help the tiny neonates locate moms pouch. Virginia Opossum Facts, Lifespan, and Habitat - Donna L. Long These mammals are savvy, and they often play dead when a predator approaches them. The opossum is found in North America, South America, Australia, and Oceania. (2004), The . Cool and Common. They carry their offspring in a pouch, like a kangaroo.Are Opossums Dangerous?This is a frequently asked question, Are opossums dangerous? The answer is that they are not aggressive, but if they feel threatened, they can be dangerous. During day to day activity, they are almost silent, so it isn't easy to detect them. You will need to put chicken wire underneath the fence to keep them from digging under if they are going to run free. Humans and domesticated animals like dogs and cats also pose a problem to the small opossum. Opossum Lifespan: How Long Do Opossums Live? - AZ Animals People often find them in backyards, crossing the neighborhood street, or even in the garage. In captivity, the oldest recorded opossum was four years and five months old. As marsupials, opossums have a fascinating life cycle. Fox Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips - AnimalWised The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. They often dont attack pets, so your pets are likely to be safe from this wild animal. When talking about cats, they may possibly kill baby opossums (rat-sized). Giraffe Butterfly Opossums reproduce 1 to 3 times a year, depending on their living environment. Light grey fur with a white face, dark eyes, a pointed snout and naked tail are a few distinguishing features of this animal. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. Opossums are prey to many predators, including dogs, coyotes, birds of prey, and giant snakes. A female may give birth to up to 25 young in one litter, although often only around . A marsupial is an animal that carries its young in a pouch. Their life span is so short because they are generally preyed upon by larger mammals and have many diseases. Sometimes, itll be down to natural causes. This state of catatonia can last from a few minutes to four hours. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. What is this? The opossums conservation status is classified as stable, but they are often subjected to unnecessary mortality. and even those living in captivity succumb to old age . Gorilla The lack of fear of people from any wild creature like an opossum means they can be dangerous. Unlike koalas, brushtail possums are probably the only arboreal marsupials to feed on different types of plants during their foraging journey. The ones that are lucky enough to locate a teat will increase their chances of making it into adulthood. Another reason for death is the slowness of theopossum; theyare hit by cars very often. The lifespan of a possum can vary depending on a number of factors, including their environment and access to food and medical care. In fact, there is only one that is found in North America. Opossums As Pets | Pet Opossum Care | Assorted Animals Diet and life expectancy of possums . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Opossums in the wild, on the other hand, have a significantly shorter life expectancy and seldom survive through their first year. This type of opossum also imbibes in carrion (already-dead animals) and even garbage. Approaching an animal that appears to be infected with rabies, common in opossums due to the open foaming mouth, is, in general, not a very good idea, even if it appears dead. This will likely not bode well for the opossum. Despite their size and metabolic rate, opossums actually only have a lifespan of about 2-3 years in the wild. Tamin. In general, the longest that a possum has been recorded living is about seven years. In the United States and Canada, it is typically called a possum, 'possum or opossum.It is a solitary nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and a successful . Age of . Gestation is just shy of two weeks. Only around half of the opossums make it out of the bag. The opossum lifespan is unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only one to two years in the wild and as long as four or more years in captivity. In the wild, however, very few Opossums live past a year because of their many predators, including humans. Basic Information Sheet: Virginia Opossum - LafeberVet On average, females typically have eight pouch-young per litter. By predators I mean literally anything, dogs, cars, diseases, snakes, and coyotes. The average lifespan of the opossum is one to two years. The Virginia opossum has a cat-sized body; grey or whitish fur with a white face; long pointy snout; round dark eyes and hairless ears; four paws; long, hairless tail spanning over 1/3 of its total body length. How Long Do Possums Live - Possum Lifespan - Zooologist A K. 25/02/2022. The opossum is vulnerable to snow, so it holes up during extremely cold spells. Although it is not as noticeable as that of the kangaroo, it is certainly very important. The temperature of the enclosure should be kept at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the wild, opossums are mostly solitary animals, but in captivity, they do well in pairs or small groups.Opossums are omnivores, which means they eat . Diet The Virginia opossum, also called the North American or common opossum, is the only Didelphis species found north of Mexico. The opossum grows to about the size of a large cat, with an adult weighing around 4-6 kgs (8.8-13.2 lbs) and usually about 76 cm (2.5 feet76 centimeters) in length. In captivity, possums receive better care. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". But opossum droppings are not broken in small pieces and are generally one large dropping. Opossums are omnivores, meaning that they will eat anything. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. When it feels threatened, the opossum emits cries and whistles intended to impress and scare away the opponent. "Playing Possum." The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". All will go through the cycle: embryo, juvenile, independent, adult, death. 1 0. Over the years, opossums have adapted easily to new territories, and surroundings, as well as to adapt their diet and food variety. R stands for reproduction, and species such as opossums put only a small investment of resources into each offspring, producing lots of babies that dont need much time and effort. The average opossum only lives to be 1-2 years old. Find out here, NYTimes A Fast Life and Success That Starts in the Pouch, Sciencedirect Miscellaneous small mammal behavior, Cary Institute Opossums: Where Lyme disease goes to die, If you want to know more about why opossums play dead? The story went that the mom would sneeze out her joeys into her pouch. When theyre highly active, they produce a high-pitched chirruping twitter. Their print will be around two inches in diameter. 1 How long does a possum live in captivity? Brown Bear Seeking food takes up much of its time. The main reason the wild opossum lives a short life is because of predation and external intervention. Thats why they can adapt to a variety of different environments i.e., forest, underground, urban areas, and more. The only species in North America and Canada is the Virginia opossum, sometimes called the common opossum. The best thing to do upon finding an injured or seemingly dead opossum is to leave it in a quiet place with a clear exit path. It is also important not to overfeed your opossum. in the wild they Are the "fare" so to speak. The opossum uses scent and auditory signals to communicate with their joeys, mates, and potential aggressors. Other pets could generate fear into your opossum and that could force them into a state of shock, also known as playing dead. Number of young: Females may bear up to 20 young, but generally about 8 joeys will survive. Learn all about the opossum. There are many opossum species that live in every country in South America. With a weight between 1 and 5 kg, it is hardly larger than a cat. The Virginia opossums long muzzle allows its keen sense of smell to detect all sorts of omnivorous delicacies including a wide range of plants, fruits, insects, and other small animals. Even in their later stages of life, opossums continue to live within their shelter (nest or den) to sleep during the daytime hours and come out at night to find food supplies. This wild animal has powerful claws and prehensile tails that makes it a strong climber and helps it grasp branches. Opossums have even been buried alive or thrown in rubbish bins, as they were thought dead. As opossums are nocturnal, they are regularly seen searching for food at night and on roads and are often injured or killed by vehicles. They can thrive in a wide variety of habitats. They are still highly dependent on their mother. Siberian Tiger That comes with a mix of cornmeal, blood meal, blueberries, cranberries, dried insects, larva, and other supplements that keep an opossum healthy. Those living near humans will also take the opportunity to explore garbage cans and dumpsters to enrich their diet. According to the Opossum Society of the United States, large predators like wild mammals, pets, and humans are the main cause of the opossums short lifespan. How Long do Possums Live? [Surprising Answer] - Pest Resources As the Opossum Society of the United States points out, it is illegal in most states to keep opossums as pets. Heres an interesting question, is it possible to convert an opossum into a household pet? They dont waste the food that they find. In addition, possums can also be affected by drought and other environmental factors that can limit their access to food and water. In captivity, the oldest recorded opossum was four years and five months old. That is the Virginia opossum. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. It is a marsupial, meaning that it carries its babies in a pouch, and it is native to North America. How long do opossums live? - Quora Many people assume that it is a typical rodent, based on its appearance and long tail, but it is actually a fascinating animal. Captive opossums normally live between 3-4 years, however up to 8-10 years has been described. However, since the lifespan of each opossum varies, it is difficult to determine whether male or female opossums live longer. Finally, competition for food and resources can also play a role in the short lifespan of possums. Their personalities dont seem to help them much here either because opossums tend to be very friendly, curious, and social. The wild environment is suitable for them, but they are exposed to external threats. They generally live for about 2 - 4 years. However, in the wild, opossums have a much lower life expectancy and do not commonly make it past their first year of life. Opossum - Wikipedia However, in the wild, opossums have a substantially lower life expectancy and seldom live past . Opossums have a lifespan of about one year in the wild. An individual may live just a few months or a single year. A nearby water source is an important feature when it comes to habitat. When living in captivity, they do not risk encountering dangerous predators. Vehicle strikes are another danger. The lifespan of a possum can vary depending on a number of factors, including their environment and access to food and medical care. Where Is It Legal To Own Opossums as Pets? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuOj6rMAJOQ)Do opossums make good pets? They are highly adaptable and can survive in urban areas. As mentioned previously, a large number of opossums don't even survive their first year of life. If you don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. Being cared for properly means feeding them the right diet, giving them proper exercise, and tending to their needs accordingly. As we have mentioned, They need a proper source of food and water. Overall, the lifespan of a possum can vary depending on a number of factors, including their environment and access to food and medical care. In North America and Canada, the only marsupials we have is the opossum. Although some live longer, the average lifespan of the opossum is only 1-2 years. Mexico also has fairly relaxed laws relating to exotic pets, but there are still some circumstances where you may not be allowed to own an opossum as a pet. Males have sternal scent glands that emit a musky odor and stain their fur prior to mating season. Furthermore, having moved from its natural habitat to the borders of cities and towns, the opossum also feeds on leftovers from food and the remains of other animals. The possum can live 2 to 3 years in the wild and up to 6 years in captivity. Virginia opossum - Wikipedia Create your account. All rights reserved. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In this article, Ill provide insight into why opossums die so fast and why theyre essential for the environment and ecology around us. The ring-tail opossums, like gliders, are less vocal and produce the soft call. Do Possums sleep in the same place every day? Adaptations Overall, the short lifespan of possums in the wild is due to a combination of factors, including predation by other animals, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and competition for food and resources. They dont dig their own nest; instead, they prefer to move into the old den that has been uninhabited by other animals. Do Male And Female Opossums Live Equally Long? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The predators and large mammals that prey on opossums are not exclusive to wild animals. If you are going to have a pet opossum, then you will need to find a veterinarian in your area that has experience with not only exotic animals but with opossums specifically. An opossum certainly . The popular term playing possum is a well-known colloquialism for a bluff and originated from the unique behavior adopted by the opossum in times of stress. It is common to see death caused by starvation and exposure to the elements, particularly in winter. Explore the characteristics of North America's only marsupial. The opossum is one of the most popular marsupials in the world. Dens in winterAlthough it is a furry animal, its fur doesnt provide much insulation in the cold weather. Muskrats, about the same size as an opossum, live 3 - 4 years, can have 1 - 4 liters per year averaging 6 - 7 young per liter. They also have sensitive whisker-like hairs growing around the face and muzzle, called vibrissae, which serve as tactile assistance in the dark. The opossum's tail is a very useful tool. Oh, Possum. The opossum lifespan suddenly changed when a little stretch of land got separated from the mainland by a river, preventing many predators from having access. Telling if an opossum is playing dead or not can be a difficult task. Stable. Short-tailed opossums are adept at escaping, so whatever enclosure is provided should be made as escape-proof as possible. They tend to be vocal when young opossums get separated from their parents or aggressive. Even though many people find them unattractive to look at, opossums are actually quite a misunderstood critter with a helpful purpose. Their eyes may still be slightly open, their ears may twitch at sudden sounds, and they may notice shallow breathing and a heartbeat. Answer (1 of 5): One thing to remember about opossums is not only do they have short lifespans, they tend to hit old age all at once. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They are not considered endangered. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Certain species of possum have a prehensile tail, that is to say, it allows them to curl and cling to objects. While possums in captivity can live for longer periods of time, those in the wild typically only live for two to four years. In the absence of predation, island opossums have been subjected to natural selection, resulting in a group with a longer lifespan. If you want to know more about why opossums play dead? As a result, possums in captivity can live for up to six or seven years, or even longer in some cases. See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, Discover the Largest Sea-Dwelling Crocodile Ever Found (Bigger than a Great White!). The possum has the particularity of knowing how to play dead and to give off a repulsive odor when a predator seizes it. This means that even if they eat the remains of an animal with rabies, they don't get sick themselves and don't pass the illness along. According to the National Wildlife Federation, in each tick season, a single possum eats roughly 5000 parasites. They are marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas. Opossums are born after an 11-13 day gestation period. Possums Can you use a stagecoach day rider on any bus? The honeybee-sized joeys promptly crawl into the mother's pouch to continue developing. In the wild, possums typically live for two to four years, while those in captivity can live for up to six or seven years or longer. The opossum is an avid foodie who will eat anything and everything it finds, as you may have noticed by seeing one digging through your garbage can. If one of the young becomes separated from its mother it will make sneezing sounds to call her. Opossum | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants Opossums are North America's only marsupial, and they have a lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild. In the regions where it is legal to own an opossum, there are still a few challenges. Opossums have a bad reputation for being garbage intruders and scary-looking critters who crawl up onto our homes at night. However, the life span varies for those who reside in the wild from those held captive. It does not store any personal data. On the other hand, females have an easier time hiding because of their small size, which allows them to squeeze into tight places. Their fecal matter has a unique characteristic- when the opossum excretes the waste, it tends to curl. Who Would Win How do I know if my harmonic balancer is seated? These predators can kill and eat possums, reducing their population and limiting their lifespan. They also hunt snails, mice, beetles, and other harmful insets- providing a type of pest control.Their urban-dwelling den is found in garages, porches, firewood piles, inside sheds, and underneath houses. Opossums are often seen with the tips of their ears and tails missing due to frostbite, as these do not have fur. Manage Settings Its fur is more or less dark gray all over its body, except for the face and the throat, which are white in color, and its pink nose. In North America, opossums can be found from Northern Canada to Central America. However, that does not seem to keep them alive much longer. Even after the joeys can leave the pouch, the devoted mother will still tote them about on her back while she hunts and scavenges for food. The opossum is a marsupial that can be seen in North America. If you find an injured opossum, it is important to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator, with trained professionals who can help. Opossums are carrion eaters, and often this includes roadkill. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". She has a Master's Degree in Education from Western Governor's University and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Southern Methodist University. The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. Keeping a Pet Opossum - Exotic Nutrition Since that time, its range has extended farther north as the climate allows. It contains more teeth than any other mammal in North America. The mating season for opossums begins near the end of winter, in the time between January and February. When they are born, the young are around 1 cm tall and weigh less than a gram. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However, they no longer need their mothers body heat to survive, and they are beginning to gain independence. They usually eat smaller rodents, harmful insects, and grubs, meaning having an opossum around can help keep the populations of other pests down. Females keep tabs on their youngsters through a series of clicks, lip-smacking, and bird-like sounds. In the Americancontinent alone, there are almost 100 different species of this mammal. Is it possible for an opossum to live a happy and healthy life as a pet? Theyre wild animals who dont fare well often in captivity. They live anywhere from arid deserts to forests and grassy plains. Discover the opossum diet, the opossum lifespan, and the opossum habitat. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail.