Opossums In Tennessee
Opossum Facts:
Average litter size 8-18 that develop in the mothers pouch.
New born opossum is one half inch in length, hairless pink skinned and blind.
They crawl through their mothers’ fur to the pouch where they grow rapidly for 8-9 weeks.
Opossum have on average two litters per year.
Tennessee’s only marsupial or pouched animal.
Highly adaptable and prefer farming areas, woodlands and stream banks.
Has a prehensile tail that aids in its ability to climb.
When cornered it may fake its death or “play possum”.
Usually solitary.
Physical Characteristics of Opossums
- Average length 25-40 in.
- Average weight 9-13 lbs.
- Long coarse grayish white fur and scaly tail.
- Toes have claws except for the last one on each hind foot.
- This toe is used like a thumb for grasping.
- Have fifty teeth.
Opossum Eating Habits
Opossums eat fruit, nuts, vegetables, meat, eggs, insects and carrion.
