File:American Virginia opossum standing on log - DPLA - 9ec7bf964d1959e212790f91cde9e21e.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Marsupialia; Family: Didelphidae; Genus: Didelphis; Genus species: Didelphis virginiana. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 32.5-50 cm; Weight: 2-5.5 kg; Identification: The American Virginia opossum's color can vary from light gray to brown; Habitat: Forests, scrublands, grasslands; Diet: Omnivore: fruit, carrion, insects, small vertebrates, garbage; Reproduction: Northern populations breed only once a year during the spring. Opossums in the south may breed two or three times a year. Each litter has 8-18 young, although usually only seven survive long enough to leave the pouch. The gestation period is 12-14 days long; Social Structure: Females tend to live in groups, but the males fight when confined together; Behavior: If threatened, an opossum may play dead, possible causing the predator to lose interest. This highly adaptable species is mostly terrestrial, but can climb trees if necessary; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico and is the largest member of the opossum family.