OPOSSUM
Journal by Running Deer I have always been interested in the Opossum because it is the only marsupial in North America. A marsupial is an animal that raises its young in a pouch, like a kangaroo. It is about the size of a house cat, but it's legs are shorter and it has a long nose. The color varies, but is usually a very light gray or white. The face is white. It's tail is long and does not have any fur. The opossum used to be found only in the south, but it has expanded it's range and now it is in most of the U.S. and parts of Canada. It can be found in woods, farms, towns, and cities. Almost anywhere! It will eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, meat (dead or alive), eggs, insects, and human garbage. Sometimes it seems like the opossum is not very clever. It is a bit awkward when it walks, and does not seem to be aware of danger. How does it survive so well? How does it expand it's range? Not being fussy where it lives and what it eats is a good start. My guess is that it is smarter than it looks. For example, it has learned how to play dead when danger is near. Not only does it play dead, but it smells and tastes dead too! That will keep a lot of predators away. The opossum is a true survivor in a harsh world. It may not be big and strong, a lot of other animals would like to eat it, but it has the ability to outsmart them. I admire the way it holds on to life. Did it learn this? Is it instinct? I wonder about that. |