Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are the sole marsupials found in the United States, and we take pride in sharing our yard with them. As they are nocturnal, we rarely see them in person, but we are aware of their presence through our camera traps. Recently, we were able to capture fascinating opossum behavior: the way an opossum utilizes its tail. Watch the video below to see the opossum tail in action!
The opossum tail serves the purpose of carrying nesting materials
Opossums employ their prehensile tail to transport nesting materials (such as leaves, twigs, corn husks…) back to their dens. Here’s how it works: opossums pick up leaves with their mouths, then transfer them to their front feet, and subsequently to their back feet. They wrap their tail over the top of the leaf bundle and carry this bedding around with their semi-prehensile tails as if it were a fifth limb!
We have recorded this behavior multiple times on our trail cameras. The video below showcases the most recent instance, where an opossum can be seen collecting leaves and transporting them to its den, located approximately 10 feet from our house. We intentionally leave our leaves on the ground during the fall so that opossums, woodchucks, and squirrels can use them for their nests. Opossums do not burrow their own dens. Our neighbor is utilizing a woodchuck’s burrow. The leaves serve to line the den, enhancing insulation during the cold winter months.
Opossum tails are utilized for balance when climbing trees
While juvenile opossums can suspend themselves by their tail (if compelled to do so), adult opossums are too heavy and do not utilize their tail for hanging. However, they do use it for balance and stabilization on branches when ascending trees.
Opossum tails are not meant for handling
Grabbing a full-grown opossum by the tip of its tail can cause serious injury by dislocating its tail bones.
To gain further insight into opossums, read our article Possum vs Opossum: What’s the Difference?