You may wonder whether or not this nocturnal animal poses any danger to your pets and family. Captive opossums live slightly longer, with the oldest . Opossums are excellent climbers, thanks to a prehensile tail and thumbs (called hallux) on its feet that help it keep a grip. Lifespan When living in captivity, they do not risk encountering dangerous predators. (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. 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. This will likely not bode well for the opossum. For females, this occurs at around 6 months. See how they survive here. The tone of the hair can vary between gray, brown, black, and white. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I feel like its a lifeline. If you notice a baby opossum is by themselves, they are likely in their teen years (or in this case, months). When all else fails, they play possum," and act as if they are dead. Although it is not as noticeable as that of the kangaroo, it is certainly very important. In addition to rolling over with their eyes rolling and tongues hanging out, they also release a foul smell from their anal glands to imitate decay and disease. Their fecal matter has a unique characteristic- when the opossum excretes the waste, it tends to curl. Most opossum populations are stable. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". A nearby water source is an important feature when it comes to habitat. Some possums may live for longer or shorter periods of time than the average lifespan, depending on their specific circumstances. Opossums have even been buried alive or thrown in rubbish bins, as they were thought dead. Humans and domesticated animals like dogs and cats also pose a problem to the small opossum. Which is the most effective way to prevent viral foodborne illnesses? They can also be found close by rivers, lakes, streams, or other water sources. Their life span is so short because they are generally preyed upon by larger mammals and have many diseases. The opossum also has opposable thumbs on its hind feet for holding onto branches. Its best to bring cat or dog food into the house before dark, so the opossums, skunks, raccoons and foxes of the world wont find it. - Definition & Facts, What is the Vernal Equinox? Its legal to own a pet opossum as long as you have the appropriate regional permits to do so. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. The hind foot has a large thumb-like toe that they use to grab branches. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While possums in captivity can live for longer periods of time, those in the wild typically only live for two to four years. All rights reserved. However, that does not seem to keep them alive much longer. It is a marsupial, meaning that it carries its babies in a pouch, and it is native to North America. The oldest opossum captured in the wild was only three years old. Having fifty teeth is certainly a unique characteristic! In captivity, North American Opossums can live up to 10 years. This particular fauna intrigued European explorers. Opossums become dangerous with their ability to transmit diseases to pets and people. Only around half of the opossums make it out of the bag. They also eat many harmful insects, including ticks. They have a short lifespan of only two to four years, but they reproduce rapidly and have a stable population. When they are 75 to 85 days old, they are weaned and rarely return to the pouch. By predators I mean literally anything, dogs, cars, diseases, snakes, and coyotes. In minutes or hours, the opossum will likely regain consciousness and escape quietly on its own. Opossums catch mice, birds, insects and even snakes to dine on. 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. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Once in the pouch, the young must attach to a nipple, or they do not survive. Opossums in the wild and in captivity have very different life cycles and life expectancies. Ill explore biological factors to habitat conditions that make it difficult for these creatures to survive and examine how humans complicate their lives even more. It can be scary for most people when they find this animal in their yard. Learn all about the opossum. Whale There are several challenges to having an opossum as a pet. Opossums in the wild, on the other hand, have a significantly shorter life expectancy and seldom survive through their first year. This makes their diet varied, and they are considered omnivores. In addition to their bodies natural biology, opossums are prone to parasites and disease, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease leading to early death. In addition, possums can also be affected by drought and other environmental factors that can limit their access to food and water. 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. . Lets explore each stage in more detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuOj6rMAJOQ, Do OPOSSUMS make good PETS? Discover the opossum diet, the opossum lifespan, and the opossum habitat. However, possums in captivity, such as those in zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers, can live for much longer. 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. Diet After some time, its certainly possible for an opossum to convert into a pet. This Didelphidae family of marsupials is native to the New World; the Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana is the only marsupial native to North America. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. This animal is omnivorous; it feeds on fruits and seeds, but especially on insects and other small animals such as frogs, snakes, birds, earthworms, insects, and small mammals. The male opossum detects a female in heat while foraging at night. This response is called feigning death or apparent death. How long does a possum live in captivity? Like many other nocturnal wildlife, their hearing is acute. They have been observed near roadkill, a hazardous food source as cars barrel down on them. Females keep tabs on their youngsters through a series of clicks, lip-smacking, and bird-like sounds. Their print will be around two inches in diameter. 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. They will remain with their mother until they are 3 to 4 months old. They dont waste the food that they find. 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. An opossum playing dead can be very convincing and effective in evading predators. This behavior often scares away the threatening predator, leaving the opossum unharmed when it eventually comes around. In summer, opossums are preyed upon by hawks, bobcats, cougars, and other larger mammals. This is the shortest gestation period of any North American mammal. Many newborns dont make the journey into the pouch; fewer than half typically survive. As opossums are nocturnal, they are regularly seen searching for food at night and on roads and are often injured or killed by vehicles. According to the National Wildlife Federation, in each tick season, a single possum eats roughly 5000 parasites. They are considered to be nocturnal animals. Opossums also need places to build nests, such as tree openings, burrows from other animals or woodpiles. 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. When threatened, opossums run, growl, belch, hiss, urinate, and defecate. In captivity, the oldest recorded opossum was four years and five months old. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Generally, female opossums live longer than males because they are more cunning and smaller. Opossums have a relatively short lifespan, as we have discovered. Possum live for 2 to 4 years due to a number of factors, including predation by other animals, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and competition for food and resources. However, in Australia, possum refers to an altogether different animal. 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. Known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and other diseases, the pesky creatures pose serious health threats when they invade urban environments. However, this is often much shorter. Arctic Fox The opossum shares a common ancestor with the possum of Australia and nearby islands. Although the word play suggests a conscious act, this catatonic defense mechanism is actually a completely involuntary and automatic physiological response to danger. The predators and large mammals that prey on opossums are not exclusive to wild animals. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. Size: 0.13 to 0.20 grams (about the size of a honeybee), Length: About 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) nose to tail, Weight: 8.8 to 13.2 pounds (4 to 6 kilograms). 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? Winter is a difficult time for opossums as their fur does not provide enough insulation, and many dont make it to the following year. 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 . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. ), snails, mice, and rats. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It helps carry sticks and leaves to make a nest, and also wraps around tree limbs to help with balance. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. Opossums scavenge for food. However, because people are going to do it anyway, we want to provide reliable information on the subject. Copyright 2023 Quick-Advices | All rights reserved. Humans and domesticated animals like dogs and cats also pose a problem to the small opossum. Their droppings look like the poop of a dog and around 3/4" in diameter. He spends most of his day sleeping in the trees, rock crevices, abandoned burrows, etc., and goes out at night to find food. The most common species is the Virginia opossum, though it is certainly not limited to that state. Find out in this article I wrote, Broox 2023 Upgraded Solar Animal Repeller, Ultrasonic Repellent, Waterproof, Wireless, Motion Detection, LED Flashing Light, Dog, Cat Repellent, Squirrel, Raccoon, Skunk, Rabbit, Rodent, Fox, Deer, Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller,360 Ultrasonic Repellent Outdoor,Cat Repellent Outdoor Animal Deterrent with Motion Sensor & Flashing Light,Squirrel Cat Deer Bird Repellent Ultrasonic Solar for Yard, Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller,Squirrel Animal Repeller Outdoor with Motion Sensor and Sound,Ultrasonic Animal Deterrent Devices Outdoor,Squirrel Cat Deer Bird Repellent Ultrasonic Solar for Yard. The lifespan of an opossum is relatively short for a mammal of its size. This lifespan was observed in a possum living in captivity, such as in a zoo or wildlife rehabilitation center. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The average duration that an opossum in captivity lives is a little over six years if their owner properly cares for them. Opossums have an average lifespan of one to two years in the wild. The female generally gives birth to a litter of 6 to 9 young, after a gestation period of 12 to 14 days after mating. They have the ability to scavenge for rotten fruit, garbage, pet food, and roadkill. Their offspring have a unique cry, and their mothers respond to them with clicking sounds.They are not noisy animals, but they generate hissing, clicking and growling sounds as well. 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. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. The appendages of the opossum will grow, such as their tails, legs, and ears. They are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. . Once youve seen one, youll never mistake it for anything else. With such a short life span the trend is to get it done early and often, reproduce, that is. Its important to note that the lifespan of any individual possum can vary depending on a number of factors, such as their age, health, and individual characteristics. An opossum is finally an adult once it leaves the pouch and is ready to live without its mom. They live anywhere from arid deserts to forests and grassy plains. In the regions where it is legal to own an opossum, there are still a few challenges. It measures between 65 and 85 centimeters long in total, including the tail which, alone, can be 40 cm. Siberian Tiger While you might be able to visit a local pet store and find an acceptable type of pet food for your opossum, there may be some better options as well. While they dont need an overwhelming amount of space, larger cages will be beneficial to their physical and mental health. They are still highly dependent on their mother. Wild opossums have a relatively short lifespan of approximately 1.5-2 years. Can the Constitution be changed by the president? 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. They generally live for about 2 - 4 years. Known aptly as ''playing possum,'' the opossum is basically shocked into an involuntary coma-like state when threatened or scared. If protecting their young, add biting to the list. Opossums will eat meat, grains, fruit, vegetables, insects, and trash. When an opossum feels threatened, its immediate and involuntary reaction is not to run or fight but to roll over and play dead. It may even work on humans who will avoid combatting the 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. People often find them in backyards, crossing the neighborhood street, or even in the garage. and even those living in captivity succumb to old age . Measuring about 2.5 feet in length, it is about the size of a house cat. The opossum's tail is a very useful tool. Taurine and other supplements such as calcium are important for opossums. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Are opossums considered to be an exotic pet? Penguin The oldest opossum, found in the wild, was 3 years old. Cleaning up carrion (dead stuff) has earned them the title, "Natures Little Sanitation Engineer.". Baby opossums can use their tails to hang from tree branches temporarily, but adults are typically too heavy to do this. It is the only North American native marsupial. 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. between 3-4 years Normal physiologic data. In the absence of predation, island opossums have been subjected to natural selection, resulting in a group with a longer lifespan. Its keeping your neighborhood clean! In North America, the terms opossum and possum relate to the same mammal. The catatonic state can last for up to four hours, and has proven effective as a deterrent to predators looking for a hot meal. When they are born, the young are around 1 cm tall and weigh less than a gram. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), also known as the North American opossum, is the only opossum living north of Mexico, its range extending south into Central America.It is the northernmost marsupial in the world. Many countries require special licenses or permits to own an exotic pet. Jaguar The ring-tail opossums, like gliders, are less vocal and produce the soft call. This can lead to a variety of problems. Certain species of possum have a prehensile tail, that is to say, it allows them to curl and cling to objects. With a weight between 1 and 5 kg, it is hardly larger than a cat. The wild environment is suitable for them, but they are exposed to external threats. Opossums need a lot of exercise and a regular diet. Other pets could generate fear into your opossum and that could force them into a state of shock, also known as playing dead. Red Fox Possums are opportunistic eaters and will consume a wide range of plants and animals, but they must compete with other animals for these resources. They occasionally let go of the nipple at this point as they will soon emerge from the pouch. They generally live for about 2 4 years. 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!). Age of . There are no known illnesses that pass from opossums to humans. When threatened or harmed by dogs, foxes, bobcats, or other predators, opossums may "play possum," appearing to be sick or dead. Although some live longer, the average lifespan of the opossum is only 1-2 years. The opossum is an interesting animal that many scientists believe has existed since the pre-historic era.