The North American opossum is one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures and few people actually know any true possum facts. Luckily, Possum.com is here to dispel the myths and rumors surrounding this mysterious creature. The most commonly misunderstood of possum facts is the actual name of the animal. Technically speaking, the “opossum” is only found in the Western hemisphere, although the term “possum” can be used to describe any member of the family Didelphia, which means “with two wombs.” The word opossum refers to the Western members of this family because it comes from the Algonquin word for the animal, “aposoum,” which means “white beast.” The opossum is the size of a large house cat and is the largest member of its family of marsupials. They are solitary, nomadic creatures who will stay in one area so long as they have adequate food and water. Sometimes an opossum will inhabit an abandoned burrow, but they are poor diggers and rarely create their own burrow in which to live. An opossum is just as likely to live above ground as below ground, but they prefer dark, safe areas like underbrush or hollows. Although they are semi-arboreal, it is extremely unlikely for an opossum to build a nest in a tree.
There are a number of possum facts that prove interesting to those learning about the opossum. One of the most interesting and widely circulated of possum facts is that they are immune to rattlesnake venom due to their unusually low blood temperature (which is around ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit). A useful tidbit of possum facts is that their low body temperature makes it very difficult for an opossum to contract rabies. Rabies is a virus that needs a hot environment to thrive, and an opossum is only susceptible to the virus if they are already ill and have a compromised body temperature. More possum facts surround their habit of “playing opossum,” which is an involuntary reflex of the opossum when it feels threatened. Although this is one of the most popular possum facts, this reflex is only the third line of defense for the opossum. First, an opossum, a naturally non-confrontational creature, will try to run away. If that doesn’t work, the opossum will hiss, growl or squawk. Finally, they will mimic a dead animal. Some possum facts surrounding “playing opossum” are that the animal’s lips will be bared and their mouth will foam while a foul smell secretes from their anal glands to give off the smell of a dead animal.
Possum facts are interesting to many people because of the mystery that encompasses this marsupial. Because there are so many myths about this reclusive animal, it is imperative that you check to make sure the information you receive from other people are facts and not fiction. For more possum facts and information on the opossum and other possums of the world, visit Possum.com.