Do male or female North American opossums make better pets?

Do male or female North American opossums make better pets?

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America. It is about the size of a domestic cat with a prehensile tail and can be found as far north as Canada and as far south as Honduras. The opossum is an omnivorous animal eating both plants and animals.

It is nocturnal and will sleep in trees or burrows during the day. The female opossum has a pouch on her belly in which she carries her young. When threatened the opossum may "play possum" appearing to be dead. This defense mechanism often confuses predators who will move on to easier prey.

virginia opossum

 

Do male or female North American opossums make better pets?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual temperaments of both males and females. In general female opossums tend to be more docile and easier to handle than males. They are also less likely to spray urine in defense making them better suited for indoor living. However, males can be just as affectionate and make excellent pets if they are properly socialized. Ultimately the best way to choose an opossum pet is to meet with several individuals of both sexes and see which one you bond with the most.

Do male or female North American opossums make better pets

Will my Bell+Howell Bionic light be activated by a small animal such as a cat or possum?

No, the Bionic light will only be activated by larger animals such as deer raccoons, or opossums.

 

Why does my pet opossum vibrate while asleep?

Your pet opossum may be vibrating while asleep due to a condition known as a hypnic jerk. A hypnic jerk is a sudden involuntary muscle movement that can occur when a person is falling asleep. This muscle movement is thought to be caused by the brain sending mixed signals to the muscles resulting in a "startle" reflex. Although hypnic jerk is considered a normal phenomenon it can be disruptive to sleep and may cause your pet opossum to wake up abruptly. If your pet opossum is experiencing frequent or severe hypnic jerks you should consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What animal is black with a white crown resembling a skunk or possum?

The animal you are thinking of is a badger. Badgers have a distinctive black and white striped head similar to that of a skunk or possum. Badgers are short-legged omnivores in the family Mustelidae which also includes otters polecats weasels and wolverines. They are found in almost every part of the world.

virginia opossum

Possum throwing up yellow thick foam all over my yard what would cause this or could it be another animal I’ve never seen anything but possums

There are many potential causes of vomiting in possums including infection gastritis intestinal parasites and poisoning. If the possum is repeatedly vomiting yellow thick foam it is likely that they have an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated by a veterinarian.

Possums are nocturnal animals so if you have never seen anything but possums in your yard it is possible that another animal is responsible for the vomiting. If you are concerned about the health of the possum or other animals in your yard please contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.

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