Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Photo credit: Peter May
The opossum is a common animal found throughout Florida in wooded or open areas - near streams and swamps. The opossum can also be found in urban and residential areas.
The opossum is a marsupial (like the kangaroo), and carries its young in a pouch. Opossums are recognized by their long snout, thick coat of hair, and long prehensile tail (adapted for grasping). A particular behavior of opossums is that they sometimes play dead when threatened.