They are usually found in the Southwest Australia region, areas of South Australia. This possum is endangered due to loss of habitat and lack of lack at times. If it’s not either of the two, they also a third-place to sleep, which is the babbler’s nest, a species of a bird whose nests these Western pygmy-possums sleep on. They also sleep on the leaves of a tree called Xanthorrhoea. Western pygmy-Possum spend their daytime in a leaf-lined nest or a tree hollow, sleeping. They also feed on nectar and pollen coming from Banksia, an Australian Wildflower, and Eucalyptus. They are omnivorous and feed on insects, spiders. They prefer living in solitary and share the nest only with their offspring. These Possums sleep in a dome-shaped nest, that uses strips of tree bark to make it in tree-cavities or rotten wood. They are found throughout Tasmania and this type of Possums is arboreal, i.e. Their tail has a thick fur on the base and sparse hair between the scales. Their snout has long whiskers, and ears are hairless. Wonderful West Virginia Magazine.Little Pygmy Possums, also called Tasmanian Pygmy Possums are the world’s smallest Possums.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore and London, 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World: Volume 1, 5th Ed. By eating carrion, they lower the risk of spreading disease in the area. Opossums are scavengers, which makes them extremely important to any habitat.

Opossums have fifty razor sharp teeth the highest number of teeth found in any land mammal.

Some believe chemicals are released into the brain and cause a temporary coma, but recordings of brain activity show that the opossum is in a highly alert state while feigning death. Scientists have yet to determine whether feigning death is deliberate or an involuntary reaction. Playing possum may allow these animals to escape predation since most predators will not eat carrion or dead animals. During this display, they can be poked and prodded or even bitten by another animal without giving any signs of suffering. Their breathing slows and stays that way for a few minutes up to several hours. They may also release fecal matter and release a green, foul-smelling mucus excreted from its anal glands. Curled up on the ground with its mouth open and tongue hanging out, the opossum appears dead.

When frightened or startled, opossums can feign death (or 'play possum').

They have a keen sense of smell and may also rely on touch to find food.

Opossums are crepuscular and nocturnal, spending most of this time searching for food.

Some scientists refer to it as a living fossil.

From prehistoric time to modern day, the opossum is virtually unchanged.

Opossum is an Algonquin Indian name meaning 'white animal.' The term 'marsupial' comes from the Latin word 'marsupium,' which refers to the pouch where the young are carried.Young opossums must spend the first two months of their life in their mother's pouch.The young opossums are not fully developed when they enter the pouch.

A marsupial is a mammal that has a pouch where it carries its young.

The Virginia (or common) opossum is the only North American marsupial.

Sexual Maturity Approximately 1 year Life Span 2 to 3 years wild 4 to 7 years managed Range Costa Rica north through Mexico and the central and eastern half of the United States to southeastern Canada Habitat Found in woodlands or thick brush, usually near water Population Global: Unknown Status IUCN: Not listed Nursing Period: They are weaned at abound 100 days.

Are opossums nocturnal