General Information
Virginia opossums can be found across Central and North America from southern Canada to Northern Costa Rica. This makes them the northernmost marsupials in the world! Opossums—sometimes commonly referred to as possums—generally prefer wet areas, such as swamps, but can be found in a variety of habitats like forests, farmland, and even developed cities or suburbs.
Opossums are most known for their ability to feign death in response to a threat. When frightened, they will appear limp, laying on their side with their mouth and eyes open and slowing their breathing and heart rates to be barely detectable. These nocturnal creatures spend much of their time in trees and will make any den-like structure they can find their home. This often leads them to take shelter near human residences and other buildings.
Meet Our Virginia Opossum
One Virginia opossum, Tumble, lives in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Tumble
Tumble the opossum, born in the spring of 2023, arrived at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in August of the same year. It is believed that Tumble fell from his mom’s back as a young joey since mother opossums don’t return for their young if they slip off. He was found with a short tail that was likely bitten off and taken to the Ohio Wildlife Center in Columbus. Unable to be released, Tumble soon found his permanent home in the Perkins Wildlife Center.
Lifespan
Wild: 1–2 years
In human care: 3–4
Fun Facts
