Table of Contents
Why is the lifespan of a opossum so short?
The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. The opossum also has opposable thumbs on its hind feet for holding onto branches.
What is the average lifespan of a wild possum?
Wild opossums have a relatively short lifespan of approximately 1.5-2 years. Captive opossums normally live between 3-4 years, however up to 8-10 years has been described.
How long will a possum play possum?
Playing dead is an involuntary response on the part of the opossum. The stress of the confrontation facing the opossum causes him to go into shock. This shock induces a comatose state that can last from 40 minutes to four hours.
How many times a year do possums have babies?
Opossums reproduce twice a year. Once mating is done, the male, called a jack, leaves and doesn’t return. After a gestation of just 12 to 13 days, female opossums, called jills, give birth to up to 20 live young at a time. The babies, called joeys, are about the size of jelly beans when they are born.
What is the average life span of a possum?
How Long Do Possums Live – Lifespan of Wild Possums. The common brushtail possum has an average lifespan of probably less than 11 years in the wild but it can live up to 14 years provided the food is abundant.
Are possums dangerous to humans or pets?
Opossums become dangerous with their ability to transmit diseases to pets and people. Known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and other diseases, the pesky creatures pose serious health threats when they invade urban environments.
How long is an opossum’s gestation period?
Reproduction: Between the months of January and October, opossums breed and give birth to up to two litters of 4-8 young – or joeys – each. The gestation period of a possum is about 13 days, after which time the joeys are born and must immediately claim one of 13 nipples inside the mother’s pouch.
What is the life cycle of a possum?
Average life span: The life period of an opossum is the shortest for mammals of their size. They generally live for about 2 – 4 years. The majority are killed by predators and in road kills.