Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) stand as the sole marsupials found in the United States, and we take pride in sharing our yard with them. Although they are nocturnal and we seldom get to see them, we are aware of their presence thanks to our camera traps. Recently, we managed to capture a fascinating behavior exhibited by an opossum: the way it utilizes its tail. Take a look at the video below that showcases the opossum’s tail in action!
The opossum tail serves to transport nesting materials
Opossums employ their prehensile tail to haul nesting materials (leaves, twigs, corn husks…) back to their shelters. Here’s how they accomplish this: opossums grasp leaves with their mouths, transfer them to their front feet, and then to their hind feet. They curl their tail over the bundle of leaves, carrying this bedding with their semi-prehensile tails as if it were an additional limb!
We’ve captured this action several times on our trail cameras. The video below is the most recent example, featuring an opossum collecting leaves to bring back to its den, which is merely about 10 feet from our home. We intentionally leave the leaves on the ground in the autumn, allowing opossums, woodchucks, and squirrels to utilize them for their nests. Opossums do not excavate their own dens; our neighbor is utilizing a woodchuck burrow. Leaves are employed to line the den, enhancing insulation during the cold winter months.
Opossum tails aid in maintaining balance while climbing trees
While young opossums can suspend themselves by their tail (if prompted), adult opossums are too hefty and do not employ their tail for hanging. However, they do utilize it for balance and stabilization on branches when they ascend trees.
Opossum tails are not gripping devices
Lifting a fully grown opossum by the end of its tail can inflict serious injury by dislocating tail bones.
To gain further insight into opossums, check out our article Possum vs Opossum: What’s the Difference?