Feared Mammal is Good for the Neighborhood    

Feared Mammal is Good for the Neighborhood      

Tara S. Spears

I used to think these critters were nasty when I lived NOTB but the gutsy tropical species has won me over. For the last three nights I’ve seen the distinctive silhouette of the opossum slinking along the top of my concrete block fence. In Mexico it is called opuaches or tlacuaches. Throughout Mexico there are six varieties of opuaches with the smallest being the Mexican marmosa or mouse opossum. Other opossum species are the aquatic opossum; the common opossum; the golden opossum; the northern opossum and the four-eyed opossum.

In certain areas of Mexico people sometimes confuse the opossum with rats due to their snout shape, tail, and size. The type that I have seen in Guayabitos is probably the ubiquitous D. Virginia or northern possum.

In general, opuaches have a fairly short lifespan. In the wild, these animals typically live one to three years; in addition, their infant mortality rate is also very high. In captivity, many opossums survive up to eight years.

These slinky critters are opportunist feeders: Opossums are omnivores, meaning that they will eat anything. Endowed with 50 teeth in their mouth, their diet many possibilities. Opossums catch mice, birds, insects and even snakes to dine on. Grasses, nuts and fruit also make a great meal for the opossum. Those living near humans will also take the opportunity to explore garbage cans and dumpsters to enrich their diet.

Members of the opuaches family are nocturnal and at low light hours- sun rise and sunset- as well. Generally, these animals are solitary but they may congregate while feeding, although they do not usually interact. In laboratory tests, male opossums were extremely aggressive with other males fighting often. Males did not show a similar level of aggression toward females. These animals are just as comfortable roaming through land, trees and water.

Many possum species utilize nests by either creating them, using the nests of other species or using tree hallows. Nesting substrates include dry leaves, roots and grasses. Some species enter torpor due to low food availability and extreme temperatures according to Animal Diversity.

The low to the ground opuache are generally quiet. When they do produce sound, it typically varies between four distinct types, tonal chirps, growls, clicks/hisses or screams. These animals are sensitive to high frequency sounds, but their sensitivity to general noises may be low.

When they perceive danger, these opossums may produce visual displays such as opening their mouth and curling their lips. Smelling is an extremely important mode of perception among opossums.

Not surprisingly, young opossums are the most vulnerable to predation. These animals may run or climb a tree to avoid a predator. Normally opossums are non-aggressive but when cornered opossums may attempt to bite their attacker. Some species of possums may even enter a catatonic state when they are exposed to extreme stress; colloquially known as ‘playing opossum’.                                                                                         

The opuatche is very skillful at avoiding becoming prey. It not only runs, but emits a very loud sound with which it tries to scare away its hunters. If this doesn’t work, the opuaches will urinate and defecates to launch it with her tail in the direction of those who want to catch her. If you aren’t fast moving you need other strategies for protection.

While you may not choose to cuddle up with a Mexican opossum the way you would a cat or dog, please be tolerant if they come into your yard. Just think of it as being you’re first defense against snakes!