Opossum
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Opossums are small to medium-sized marsupials and the only marsupial found in North America. Opossums are around the size of a large house cat, with a long pointed snout, a narrow skull and a prehensile tail. The hind foot has an opposable digit with no claw. Males are slightly larger than females. With a jaw full of teeth and broad diet the Opossum is quite succesful in Tennessee, except when crossing the road. This opportunistic omnivore is basically nomadic, staying in one area only as long as food and water are available. They will temporarily occupy abandoned burrows, favoring dark and secure areas, below or above ground. Opossums do not dig or put much effort into making their own. When threatened an Opossum may "play possum" or mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams at the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. This physiological response is involuntary, rather than a conscious act. Their stiff body can be prodded, turned, and even carried during this state. The best thing to do if you find an injured or apparently dead opossum is to leave it be. In minutes or hours, the animal may regain consciousness and leave quietly on its own. Opossums have a robust immune system, and show partial or sometimes total immunity to the venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and other vipers. Thanks to the Opossums low blood temperature, rabies is almost unknown within the species. The lifespan of the Opossum is unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only 2 to 4 years. With lots of folklore and recipes relating to the opossum, it is evident of their use as food in the United States. The young are born at a very early stage and continue to develope in the females pouch. The mother will carry her young on her back, where they cling tightly even when she is on the move. |
