Everything You Need to Know About the Opossums of Connecticut

They may be the scariest looking wild animal that you encounter around here, but looks are deceiving. Here's what you need to know about the Opossum of Connecticut.

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The most common animal that I've seen out in the wild over the past few weeks is the Virginia Opossum. They are native to Connecticut, but only since the early 1900's according to ct.gov. Don't call them Possums, leave the O in front. Possums are entirely different animals native to Australia. New Zealand, Guinea, and China, while Opossums are the only marsupial found here, and throughout all the continental US. Opossums are true adapters and survivors, one of the oldest species of mammals in the world, outliving the dinosaurs.

Opossums can grow to 15 to 20 inches long and weigh anywhere from 4 to 12 pounds. They have long mouths that contain 50 scary looking teeth, they may hiss at you when cornered, but they are not aggressive towards humans. You may have heard the term 'Playing Possum'? They'd rather play dead than get into a fight. Opossum are the only animal in Connecticut that have a prehensile tail, they're great climbers.

Opossums are omnivores, and they hunt primarily at night to feed on bugs, reptiles, dead animals, and your berry bush. Humans and their vehicles are their primary threat in the wild, as are coyotes, bobcats, and your dog. Another interesting fact - You'll think of this song every time you see one, I do.

Opossum are 'Nature's cleanup crew', they will eat that roadkill before someone can pick it up, gorge themselves on ticks, and eat every slug that threatens your garden. Also, they will not mess up your yard, they may get into your garden or your garbage, but you are better off with an Opossum in your neighborhood than not.