Opossums
Meet Pedro!
Common Name: Virginia Opossum
Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana
A group of them is called: A passel
We just call him: "Pedro"
Size: 34 – 95 cm (length)
Weight: .3 – 6.4 kg
Lifespan: ~ 2 years (wild), 4 years (captivity)
Diet: Omnivore
PEDRO'S STORY
Pedro came to us from another facility as a baby. He is blind; born without any eyes, so he can not go back into the wild. Pedro spends his time now chilling at Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue and helping us educate the next generation.
Did You Know?
- The opossum has a prehensile tail which acts like a fifth appendage (sort of like a hand!). This amazing tail can wrap itself around trees to assist with climbing or be used to gather sticks and grass to build their homes!
- Opossums are eight times less likely to carry the rabies virus, compared to wild dogs. This is due to their low core body temperature - the virus can not survive!
- Mom’s can give birth to up to 20 babies in one litter. After birth, these marsupial babies (which are only the size of a jelly bean!) go immediately to the pouch and will spend the next couple of weeks going from the pouch to sometimes riding on her back.
Meet Our Permanent Residents
JT
Freddie
Takoda
Ash
Crimson
Clover
Jet
Paintbrush
Ebony, Rosie, Ruby & Scarlet
Aurora
Avery
Floki
Vinnie
Minnie
Princess Peach
Alan
Danny
Edwin & Persephone
Khaleesi
Pedro
Charlotte
Fred
Wilbur
Mario & Luigi
Oden
Olaf
Salem
McLovin'
Pablo
Neville
Echo