Didelphis virginiana virginiana

(Kerr, 1792)

Vernacular names
English : Virginia opossum
French : Opossum de Virginie

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Diprotodontia
Family : Didelphidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Body length of 50 cm, tail length of 47 cm, weight of 5900 g. Large head with long nose. Naked pink and black tail. Fur is very bushy, usually from gray-brown to light brown. Head can be entirely white or feature black bands. Subspecies generally with pure or at least very clear white face.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from south Canada to most of eastern half of USA, south to Mexico and Nicaragua. Also occurs on west coast of USA. Subspecies found in most of eastern and central USA except from Florida along the Gulf coast to Texas. Often found around swamps and streams but adapts to many other habitats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a huge range and can adapt itself to disturbed environments. Despite being hunted, the species is expanding its range in the north.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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