Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are the one marsupials in the USA and we’re proud to proportion our backyard with them. As a result of they’re nocturnal, we virtually by no means in truth see them, however we all know they’re right here, because of our digital camera traps. Lately we controlled to movie an overly fascinating opossum habits: how an opossum makes use of its tail. Take a look at the video under appearing the opossum tail in motion!
The opossum tail is used to hold nesting subject material
Opossums use their prehensile tail to hold nesting subject material (leaves, twigs, corn husks…) again to their dens. That is how they do it: opossums select up leaves with their mouths after which move them to the entrance toes, then to their again toes. They curl their tail excessive of the package of leaves and raise this bedding round with their semi-prehensile tails as though it used to be a 5th limb!
We’ve stuck this habits a couple of instances on our path cameras. The video under is the most recent, the place an opossum is noticed grabbing leaves and taking them to his den, which is simplest about 10 toes from our space. We intentionally go away our leaves at the floor within the fall so opossums, woodchucks, and squirrels can take them to their nests. Opossums don’t dig their very own dens. Our neighbor here’s the usage of a woodchuck burrow. Leaves are used to line the den, expanding insulation during the chilly iciness.
Opossum tails are used for balancing when mountain climbing timber
Whilst younger opossums can dangle via their tail (if they’re made to take action), grownup opossums are too heavy they usually don’t use their tail for putting. However they do use it for balancing and stabilizing on branches when mountain climbing timber.
Opossum tails don’t seem to be handles
Grabbing a completely grown opossum via the end of its tail can severely hurt it via dislocating tail bones.
To be informed extra about opossums learn our article Possum vs Opossum: What’s the Distinction?