The opossum, or possum, lives all over the United States. It can be found from coast to coast. It prefers forests with leafy trees, woods and farm areas.

The opossum has a long pointed face, pink nose and whiskers. Its body is round. An opossum may be gray, white, black or all three colors.

The female opossum is the only marsupial in North America. That means she has a pouch on her stomach. She carries her young in the pouch. This keeps them warm. The babies can nurse while in the pouch. Each passel has about eight babies. They need their mother for only three or four months.

The opossum is known for playing dead. It lies still and barely breathes. This causes predators to leave it alone.

An opossum eats bugs, dead animals, and fruit. It is nocturnal or active at night and sleeps during the day. An opossum usually lives alone when not raising babies.