Exclusion using a one-way door is easy and effective. The opossum lifespan is unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only one to two years in the wild and as long as four or more years in captivity. In general, due to short gestational period, early senescence and small size, the average span would appear to have a … With such a short life span the trend is to get it done early and often, reproduce, that is. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so … They have sharp teeth! The opossum can hang from its tail for short periods of time, but the creature doesn’t sleep hanging from its tail, as some people think. The other reason why so many animals - including some placental mammals - have short gestation periods is that they have shorter lifespans. If you must have an opossum and don't plan to get licensed, check this article to see if your state allows exotic pets. The answer is more complex and interesting than you might think. To keep a captive opossum legally, you need a wildlife rehabilitation permit from your state. And if that doesn’t work they play dead when really scared! These exotic animals simply don't make good pets. If there is an opossum in the yard, don't worry. They are wild animals who easily suffer in captivity: trying to transform an opossum into a pet can be expensive, illegal, and heartbreaking. The opossum’s tail serve to balance the animal just like the capuchin monkey’s. Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. So, in general, you can use opossum when referring to the American marsupial. Virginia opossum, the only marsupial (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae) found north of Mexico. This is the time mating can occur. There are many reasons why people might seek short-lived pets. The opossum begins to show the signs of aging such as cataracts, motor coordination problems, and weight loss. The Opossum Lifespan appears to vary somewhat according to source. This behavior has given rise to the expression ‘playing possum.’ Muskrats, about the same size as an opossum, live 3 – 4 years, can have 1 – 4 liters per year averaging 6 – 7 young per liter. Although possums and opossums are similar-looking animals, opossums are commonly found in the United States, while possums are native to Australia. Nonetheless, the capuchin monkey can hang by its long prehensile tail but opossums just can’t. Sperm, which has become paired in the male opossum’s reproductive tract, will move through the lateral vaginal canals and become separate again in the female’s tract. The female opossum is a spontaneous ovulator with an estrous cycle of about 28 days. Senescence is rapid. And if that doesn’t work they play dead when really scared! What Opossums Can Teach Us About Why We Age The connection between natural selection, healthspan, and lifespan.