Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Opossums in Iowa: Nature’s Quirky Clean-Up Crew
Meet the Virginia opossum — Iowa’s one and only marsupial (that’s a fancy way of saying “pouched parent”). You’ll find these night owls all across the state, hanging out near forests, rivers, and even your garbage can if there’s a tasty snack inside.
Fun fact: While Iowans often drop the “O” and just say “possum,” true possums actually live in Australia! Opossums are their distant American cousins. Think of it as a long-lost family separated by 9,000 miles and a lot of ocean.
[Photo courtesy of Iowa-Natives.org]
Life as an Opossum
Opossums will eat just about anything — bugs, fruit, small critters, and even roadkill (talk about not being picky!). This makes them one of nature’s best janitors. They’re also expert climbers, using their tails like an extra hand for balance. But despite the rumors, no, adults don’t hang upside down by their tails. They’re way too hefty for that!
[Photo courtesy of Larry Reis]
Is This Opossum Okay?
If you see an opossum sprawled out and looking dead, don’t panic! It’s probably just “playing possum.” When terrified, they faint dramatically — complete with drooling, staring blankly, and pretending to be expired. It’s not acting; it’s an involuntary defense mechanism that fools predators (and sometimes people).
[Photo courtesy of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation]
Tougher Than They Look
Despite their scruffy charm, opossums are little tanks. They can shrug off venom from snakes like rattlesnakes and copperheads. Plus, their body temperature is so low that rabies has a hard time surviving. making them one of the safest wild neighbors around!
Tick Terminators of the Midwest
Opossums are unsung heroes in the fight against ticks — a single one can eat thousands every summer! So next time you see one waddling through your yard, give it a silent thank-you for pest control services rendered. Sure, they might look like they just rolled out of bed, but they’re gentle, helpful, and vital members of Iowa’s wild community.