Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent. So cute.
Why did they change possum to opossum?
The possum (scientific name: Phalangeridae) was given its name because of its resemblance to the opossum of the Americas . Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied the great English explorer Captain James Cook, likened the furry creature he saw in Australia to “an animal of the Opossum tribe.”
Is the O silent in the word opossum?
The O in “opossum” is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter , just like the H in the word “honest.” The articles “a” and “an” are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.
Is there an apostrophe in opossum?
The answer is: All three are correct. Along the way, folks began dropping the o when they talked of opossums, and at first they put in an apostrophe to tell you that, yes, they knew they had dropped the o but it was so much simpler that way. ... So the opossum became the ‘possum .
Do opossums and possums look the same?
The opossums of North America typically have pointed white faces with black eyes and jagged teeth . They also have coarse body fur that is usually dark gray, though some may take on a cinnamon or white color. The possums of Australia, on the other hand, have rounded bodies and softer features.
Can a possum be a pet?
It is illegal to keep opossums as pets in some jurisdictions , including the state of California. ... Opossums in captivity tend to be docile and can respond to their name and other verbal cues.
Should you pronounce the L in Almond?
A: The “l” in “almond” was silent until very recently . ... More recent standard dictionaries say we can now properly pronounce “almond” either with or without the “l” sound.
Is it bad to have a possum in your yard?
If there is an opossum in the backyard, don’t worry. They aren’t a threat , and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while. ... But far from being a nuisance, opossums can be beneficial for your garden, eating snails, slugs, insects and sometimes even small rodents.
What is the difference between a common opossum and a Virginia opossum?
However, these are two different species. The common opossum’s scientific name is Didelphis marsupialis, and the Virginia opossum’s scientific name is Didelphis virginiana . These types of opossums have a cone-shaped nose with a pink tip, a long hairless tail, and white, gray and black fur.
How do you get a possum out of your yard?
- Before You Begin...
- STEP 1: Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes.
- STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps.
- STEP 3: Apply a chemical repellent to your garden.
- STEP 3: Use electronic repellents to scare possums away.
Do possums stink?
Vultures and possums are two creatures that use foul odors to their advantage. Deodorant, perfume, soapy showers. Most humans make a big effort to smell good. But out in the wild, it can pay to reek.
Do opossums play dead?
Playing dead
What animals are similar to possums?
All extant marsupials are endemic to Australasia and the Americas. A distinctive characteristic common to most of these species is that the young are carried in a pouch. Well-known marsupials include opossums, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, wallabies, bandicoots, and the extinct thylacine
Do possums eat cats?
Opossums do not prey on cats or other larger mammals but will attack them if cornered, or if competing for food. Opossums cause loss to home gardens by eating nuts, berries, fruits, and grapes. They eat pet food left outside and may raid compost bins.
Can possums bite humans?
Do opossums bite? Opossums are more likely to growl, hiss and show their 50 sharp teeth than to bite. They are a relatively placid animal and like to avoid confrontation at all costs. However, if cornered they do have the ability to bite .
Are possums friendly to humans?
Opossums are omnivorous and are beneficial to humans because they cause very little damage and they consume undesirable insects, snails, and slugs. The many beneficial qualities of opossums include: Keeping neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice.
