Because there is only one native North America opossum, we will focus our description on that species.
The Virginia opossums are about the size of a cat. That means it will grow to be about 24-26 inches long. It weighs between six and twelve pounds. The fifty teeth in the opossum's jaw give it its ferocious appearance. However, opossums are actually non-aggressive. It may hiss and show its teeth in self-defense, but is unlikely to attack unless its life is threatened.
Virginia opossums are gray or grayish-white. They have a long and pointy snout. Their ears and tail are hairless. The tail makes up about a third of the opossum's length.
All opossums are marsupials. This means the females have a pouch for putting their young to continue gestation about they are born. Their paws and tails are prehensile, which means they are adapted for grasping. Opossum tails are prehensile because the pest spends a lot of its time in trees.
Opossums have a cool history and do provide some benefits. However, they are dangerous enough that you don't want them living near you or your family. Contact a good opossum removal service to keep them out of your yard. At GoLocal Pest Control, we can help you find the top company near you.