10/08/2026
Alabama After Dark: Meet the opossum!
When night falls, one of Alabama’s most misunderstood neighbors begins searching for its next meal.
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. These adaptable, nocturnal animals eat a varied diet that includes insects, rodents and carrion. By consuming these foods, opossums may help control damage to gardens and lawns while serving as part of nature’s cleanup crew.
Opossums are known for “playing possum,” but that is not usually their first response to danger. Most will try to escape. If cornered, they may hiss, growl or display their approximately 50 teeth.
They may look intimidating, but opossums rarely follow through on these defensive bluffs. They also have a remarkable resistance to many viruses and rarely contract rabies.
Learn more about this member of Alabama’s nighttime wildlife at https://www.aces.edu/go/6884