Image ID 416924 Premium Services    Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) Reproduction of etching after C. Burton From: John D. Godman, American Natural History. Vol. 2 of 3 (Philadelphia, 1826–28) NYPL, General Research Division

Opossums, which are usually nocturnal, and thus rarely seen, are the only representatives in North America of marsupials (the predominant mammals of Australia), whose young are born in an embryonic stage and complete their development attached to a nipple in an external maternal pouch. Adult Opossums are about the size of small dogs, and although they do use their prehensile tails to hang from tree limbs, as shown in this early and somewhat inaccurate illustration, they make their homes in hollow logs, rock piles, crevices, and underground burrows, mostly in wooded areas. Opossums feed on a wide variety of small animals including insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, mollusks, and, in season, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Despite its title, American Natural History, which appeared in several editions, is exclusively about mammals.

Check out the sighting log to record your interaction with some of the native New York City wildlife, such as the Opossum, featured in Urban Neighbors. You may also browse the sighting log by animal, borough, park or natural area, and/or habitat to view a sighting you have submitted or to read others’ observations.