Opossum
Baby opossums are born as embryos, barely larger than a bee, and spend about two months nursing in their mother's pouch. When they get to be about three to four inches long and start riding around on their mother's back, they may fall off without the mother noticing. As a general rule, if an opossum is over seven inches long (not including the tail), they're old enough to be on their own. If they're less than seven inches long (not including the tail), they are orphaned and you should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Other Rehabilitators
Animal Help Now
https://ahnow.org
Why they are important
Opossums, sometimes referred to just as possums, are a benefit to ecosystems and a healthy environment beyond eradicating ticks. They will catch and eat cockroaches, rats and mice - in addition to consuming dead animals of all types
Interesting Facts
- They are the only marsupials found north of Mexico
- They can not choose when to play dead
- When playing dead they secrete a smell to add to the preformance
- They slow the spread of lime disease
- They have very good memories
- They almost never get rabies
- They can use their tails as an additional appendage
- They constantly self groom
- They are social creatures
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