Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are the sole marsupials found in the United States, and we take pride in having them share our yard. Since they are nocturnal, we hardly ever encounter them directly, but our camera traps confirm their presence. Recently, we captured an intriguing opossum behavior: the utilization of its tail. Watch the video below to see the opossum tail at work!
The opossum tail is utilized for carrying nesting materials
Opossums employ their prehensile tails to transport nesting materials (leaves, twigs, corn husks, etc.) back to their dens. Here’s how they accomplish this: opossums gather leaves with their mouths and then transfer them to their front feet and subsequently to their back feet. They wrap their tail over the bundle of leaves and transport this bedding with their semi-prehensile tails as if it were a fifth limb!
We have documented this behavior several times using our trail cameras. The video below is the most recent instance, where an opossum is observed collecting leaves and transporting them to its den, located merely about 10 feet from our home. We intentionally leave our leaves on the ground in autumn so that opossums, woodchucks, and squirrels can take them for their nests. Opossums do not excavate their own dens; our nearby resident is utilizing a woodchuck burrow. Leaves are incorporated to line the den, enhancing insulation during the chilly winter months.
Opossum tails assist in balancing while tree climbing
While young opossums can dangle by their tails (if compelled), adult opossums are too hefty, and they do not utilize their tails for hanging. However, they do rely on them for balance and stabilization when navigating branches while climbing trees.
Opossum tails should not be used as handles
Swinging a fully grown opossum by the tip of its tail can inflict serious injury by dislocating tail bones.
To find out more about opossums, check out our article Possum vs Opossum: What’s the Difference?