Found from Mexico through Central America and much of South America, it thrives in a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests and mangroves to suburban backyards and agricultural areas. Much like its North American cousin, the Virginia opossum, the common opossum has earned a reputation as a clever survivor, capable of living close to people while still playing an important role in its ecosystems.
In appearance, the common opossum is about the size of a large domestic cat. Its fur is usually grayish-brown, and it gets one of its common names from the dark markings on its ears. Its long, hairless, prehensile tail is one of its most distinctive features, acting as a balancing tool and an extra limb for climbing. The face is pale with a pointed snout and sharp teeth, while its hands and feet are equipped with grasping digits that make it an excellent climber.
The common opossum is an omnivore with a wide-ranging diet. It eats fruits, insects, small animals, eggs, and even carrion, which makes it a natural cleaner of ecosystems. This opportunism is a big reason why it thrives near humans, raiding garbage bins, chicken coops, or crop fields. In the wild, it plays an important ecological role as both a seed disperser and a controller of insect and rodent populations.
Behaviorally, the common opossum is nocturnal and solitary, usually foraging alone at night and resting in tree hollows, burrows, or abandoned structures during the day. When threatened, it may hiss, bare its teeth, and release a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands. Like other opossums, it can also “play dead” (thanatosis)—collapsing, going limp, and even excreting an odor to convince predators it’s not worth eating. This unusual strategy is remarkably effective against many would-be attackers.
Distribution
Argentina
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
