Discovery of the Opossum

To appreciate the opossum, one must understand its discovery. Indigenous peoples of the Americas were already familiar with this animal, but it wasn't until the late 1400s that Vincente Yanez Pinzon—who captained Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Nina—encountered an opossum with its young upon arriving in Brazil. He brought the animal back to Spain, presenting it to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.

Fast forward over a century, and we find the first English description of the North American opossum, authored by Captain John Smith of the Jamestown colony. He coined the term "opossum," derived from the Native American word "apasum," meaning "white animal."

The Opossum vs. Possum

The differing spellings of "opossum" and "possum" arise from the classification of these mammals. During Captain James Cook's 1768 exploration of Australia aboard the Endeavour, naturalist Sir Joseph Banks referred to the Australian marsupials they discovered as opossums. However, these marsupials belong to a different group. The "o" was eventually dropped, as these creatures had two opposable toes on their front paws, aiding in their climbing abilities. Today, "possum" primarily refers to species found in Australia.

Naming Conventions

In the world of opossums, the terminology is quite specific: an adult male is called a Jack, an adult female is referred to as a Jill, and a juvenile in a pouch of either sex is known as a joey—similar to kangaroos.

The Art of Bluffing

Opossums possess fifty teeth and will display them along with a growl when frightened, bluffing to deter potential threats. This has unfortunately led to a reputation for aggression. Additionally, their salivary glands produce a considerable amount of saliva, contributing to their drooling, which can further enhance their intimidating appearance.

The Opossum’s Unique Adaptations

One of the opossum's most fascinating features is its prehensile tail, which aids in climbing and balance. They can briefly hang from their tails, using them to transport lightweight items to their dens, effectively using it as a third limb. Their hind feet also possess opposable toes, a trait shared only with primates.

Expanding Horizons

Traditionally, opossums were confined to the eastern United States, as deserts and mountain ranges made the western regions inhospitable. This changed in 1890 when the Virginia opossum was introduced to Southern California. From there, they spread northward along the coast and into central California by 1910, thanks to immigrants from Tennessee who valued them as a delicacy.

Cognitive Abilities

Opossums are quite adaptable animals, limited mainly by cold weather or water scarcity. Their intelligence allows them to locate food and remember its location effectively, even recalling a bad taste a year after experiencing it. Research shows they excel in maze-solving compared to cats and rats.

Master of Disguise

While opossums are adept at bluffing, their true skill lies in their ability to "play dead." When threatened, they enter a specialized defense mode, lying on their side with an open mouth to show their teeth and emitting a foul odor. This state can last from a few minutes to several hours, and poking them won't rouse them. Intriguingly, their brain activity while "playing possum" is similar to when they are awake.

Immunity to Poison

Opossums possess a remarkable ability to neutralize a wide range of poisons, including those from animals they've never encountered. Researchers have identified a small protein called lethal toxin neutralizing factor (LTNF) in their blood, which helps neutralize venoms. They exhibit increased immunity to rabies and other viral diseases common to domestic animals, likely due to their lower body temperature compared to other mammals.

Despite the myths surrounding them, opossums are fascinating creatures that have been unfairly judged. They don't sleep hanging from trees; rather, they rest in dens on the ground. They are not aggressive and typically avoid confrontation, and they do not spread diseases like rats. The next time you encounter an opossum, remember that these animals are truly remarkable and simply have a misunderstood image.