The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), or “opossum” as it is commonly known, is native in Georgia and Trinity Lakes.

An adult opossum has 50 teeth, quite a lot, and is not afraid to bare them when scared or angry. The tail is prehensile which means it is can be used to grasp onto objects such as tree limbs.

On average, opossums can be expected to live about two years at best, with a substantial percentage dying before their first full year. Major causes of mortality include predators such as coyotes, dogs, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and raptors, as well as human caused mortality through hunting, trapping, and vehicle strikes.

Many people have heard of opossums “playing dead”. This unusual behavior is thought to have evolved as a defense mechanism against predators.