Jackie Foster Art

I once had the incredible experience of feeding baby opossums at a New Hampshire wildlife rescue. The littlest ones were so tiny and pink, with their eyes still closed. If I had not known they were opossums, I never would have guessed what kind of animal they were.

They were so wiggly that it was not easy to guide the syringe into their tiny mouths. I could see their little translucent bellies gradually filling with formula. They felt impossibly tiny and fragile, so I handled them as gently as I could and took great care with each feeding. I also fed older baby squirrels and bunnies that day. The squirrels and bunnies eagerly grabbed at the syringe and drank, but feeding the tiny opossums required much more patience and concentration.

I also once had the pleasure of seeing an opossum in my yard. It scurried quickly across my back patio and disappeared almost as soon as I saw it. Although the sighting lasted only seconds, I was so happy to know it was around. I love sharing my yard with wildlife, and I hope I will get the chance to see another opossum here someday.

Opossums have such soulful eyes and ridiculously adorable little toes, but many people are frightened by their appearance. The more I learned about these fascinating animals, the more reasons I found to love them.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to the United States and Canada. Following a gestation of only 12 to 13 days, the tiny newborns crawl into their mother’s pouch to continue developing. Later, they cling to her back, creating the irresistible sight of a mother carrying a mound of youngsters wherever she goes.

Opossums are solitary animals. They are generally peaceful and would much rather avoid a confrontation. When cornered, an opossum may hiss, bare all 50 of its teeth, drool, or blow bubbles around its mouth. It is an impressive performance from an animal whose main goal is to convince everyone to please leave it alone.

If that fails, extreme fear can send an opossum into an involuntary state known as tonic immobility. This is the origin of the expression “playing possum,” although the opossum is not consciously acting. Its body becomes limp and unresponsive, sometimes for hours, until the danger has passed.

Their lives are surprisingly brief, usually only a year and a half to two years in the wild. During that time, these adaptable omnivores help clean the environment by eating insects and scavenging carrion. They are also highly resistant to rabies and to the venom of several native snakes.

Learning more about opossums has made me even more grateful for the few opportunities I have had to encounter them. This drawing warms my heart by bringing back memories of the welcome visitor who hurried across my patio and the tiny babies I once had the joy of feeding.