Safety note: Do not handle wild opossums.
The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. Females carry young in a pouch. Famous for 'playing dead' when threatened — a genuine involuntary physiological response.
Habitat
Forests, farmland, and suburban neighborhoods near water
Diet
Omnivorous: insects, carrion, fruit, eggs, and refuse
How common
Common
Best time to see a Virginia Opossum
The best time to see a Virginia Opossum is January–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 60,553 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Not certain it is a Virginia Opossum? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Virginia Opossum sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Virginia Opossum?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states