Ridiculously Opossum

Opossum

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Opossum or (Didelphis virginiana) is a very interesting marsupial who's name means "white animal". As adults these animals average 12 pounds in size. They have a hairless tail which is frequently used to hang onto tree branches for protection. This animal also has a very short life averaging about 2 years. The opossum is most famous for its defense mechanism the "faking death" or "playing possum" technique. This seemingly involuntary reaction occurs during a moment of danger and can last hours. It is used to ward off enemies by showing them that they are not a threat. They have another weapon in there arsenal. During this coma like state a green discharge drips out of there anus. This ooze creates a smell that is very unappealing for a predator. The primary diet consists of insects, snakes, rats and fruit. Though these animals seem diseased because they are flea ridden they are actually quite clean animals. They are less likely to be diseased because of there lower body temperature and superior immune system.

Common name: North American Opossum

Kindom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Mamalia

Order: Marsupialia

Family: Didelphidae

Genus: Didelphis

Species: Marsupialis

Subspecies: Virgininanus

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