The Common Opossum is the only marsupial found in Mexico and Central America alongside its close relative the Virginia Opossum. It is highly adaptable and thrives in human-modified landscapes, eating virtually anything edible. When threatened, it may feign death—the origin of the phrase 'playing possum'—emitting a foul odor to reinforce the illusion.
Best time to see a Common Opossum
The best time to see a Common Opossum is January–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 60,156 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Common Opossum sightings near you
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