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Common opossum

Didelphis marsupialis

Description:

The common opossum is similar in size to a house cat. The fur of the opossum is actually yellow in the under-fur, but is hidden by the longer black guard-hairs that cover it, while the tail, fingers, and face are lighter "with the tail being without fur, somewhat similar to a giant rat tail." It can measure nearly 20 inches long. It has large ears that are usually black, and its face is usually a pale peach in color, with black whiskers and eyes that reflect reddish in light. With a body length of nearly a foot, and a tail that can reach almost two feet, the common opossum is one of the larger members of its family. They can weigh in at over three pounds. (information from Wikipedia)

Habitat:

Wooded area

Notes:

I know these images are terrible, but they're the best I could manage in the dark and with all the limbs.

1 Species ID Suggestions

southern or black-eared opossum
Didelphis marsupialis Common opossum


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3 Comments

Scott Frazier
Scott Frazier 11 years ago

Aaron just a guess aftert looking at all of the 'possums here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mam... and here http://www.mammals-worldwide.info/panama...

Maria dB
Maria dB 11 years ago

You did a good job, Aaron, and the first photo is so sweet!

Aaron_G
Spotted by
Aaron_G

Panama

Spotted on May 31, 2007
Submitted on Jan 5, 2013

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