The opossum is often known for playing “dead” or playing “opossum”. This happens when the opossum has been frightened or is in danger. 

The Wisconsin Opossum

Spring is here and so are the opossums! Call County Animal Control to take control of your opossum removal needs.

Visual:

The opossum is a marsupial meaning that it has a pouch. The opossum is a small-medium sized animal. The animal has a white to grayish coat of fur. You can strongly tell the difference of the opossum from other animals by their large rat like tail.

Habitat:

The opossum will normally take over abandoned dens or holes that have been built by other animals. This animal will stay in one area for as long as possible. Whether it is a wooded area or residential, if there is a great amount of food and water provided to this animal, there is no need to leave.

Feeding:

The opossum is an omnivore. It is highly known for feeding off of roadkill or other dead animals.  Some favorite foods may include fruits. Other foods seem to find their way into their diet as well which include insects, worms, frogs, birds, snakes and even your curbside garbage!

Life Expectancy:

The opossum does not have a very long life expectancy. Usually ranging from around two to four years old. The life of the opossum varies a bit due to many of them turning into roadside roadkill.

Reproduction:

The gestation period for these marsupials are similar to many mammals. The young are born in an earlier stage than most animals, so they then move into the pouch of the momma opossum where they can be carried around and feed off of the teat as well. The mother gives birth to many young and the failure rate for the life of the young is fairly high. Up to thirteen babies can attach to a teat and have a chance of their survival. Weaning period can be anywhere from 70 days to about 125 days and they then may detach from the teat and start on their own!

COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL

608 259 6515