In early May, I arrived at a nearby park near 9 on a grey, gloomy morning. Something was moving quickly into the woods near the gate. It was grey or white and house-cat-sized. I grabbed my camera and bolted from the car, hoping to get a photo before it disappeared. As I hoped (or feared?) it was the first Opossum I’ve seen in Ontario that wasn’t dead on a road.
Viewed from the right angle, an Opossum is reasonably attractive. The two-toned ears are quite eye-catching when backlit.
Singularly Unattractive Animals
Raccoons are an unwelcome visitor in many urban yards due to their clever tricks for getting into garbage and compost cans. Well, that would not make them too unwelcome: it’s the way they fling the bits they aren’t interested in out of the cans and all over the sidewalk or driveway. But many people find raccoons, especially young ones, kind of cute with their black robbers’ masks and ringed tails.
The almost snarling look is not pleasant, though.
I’m not sure anyone would describe a Virginia Opossum adult as “cute.” Something about the narrow face, bright pink bald nose, and tiny but sharp teeth, and the almost bald ropy-looking tail does not appeal to me.
The feet look a bit too human and even a bit like a group of bald baby birds.
This one looked to have tail damage. Frostbite is a common problem for northern dwelling Opossums.
No Photos of Cute Baby Opossums…Yet
Unfortunately, the Opossum I encountered did not have any “Babies On Board.” Or if it did, they were still in the pouch, not perched on its back. Of course, this may have been a male Opossum.
Maybe some day I’ll see a female with a group of babies clinging to her back like mini circus acrobats. For now, I’m pleased to have seen and photographed my first living Virginia Opossum.
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