Do Opossums Live Primarily In Wild Areas Or Urban Areas?

Opossums originated in North America and were hunted for many years. They were a primary food source and their hides were coveted. It may seem a bit unusual that they were hunted for food, since they resemble a large rat.

While the opossum roots can be traced to areas out in the wild, many opossums tend to live near humans now. However, there is still a decent population of opossums in the wild. These animals tend to traverse the same forty miles of land all their lives. Wild opossums typically live an average of three years. They forage for food at night and tend to live near a water source.

Opossums may utilize several dens because they do not build their own. They will take up residence in ready made shelters and abandoned dens that were built by other animals. Opossums in the wild are at a very unique disadvantage. They have many predators who hunt them for food and their eyesight is not very good. An opossum’s biggest defense is playing dead, which makes it an easy target for other animals.



Urban Opossums

Over time, opossums have adapted to living near humans more so than out in the wild. They are still shy animals who want to be left alone. Opossums are wild, unpredictable creatures in any setting. Urban areas are inviting to opossums. This is because humans have created an environment where opossums can live without fear of predators. There aren’t too many eagles, foxes or wolves in an urban setting.

Besides that, opossums forage for food and they can eat almost anything. They will hunt if necessary, but they would rather live off the easy food humans leave laying around. Opossums root through the garbage, eat pet food and even bird food that falls on the ground. They are opportunistic animals.

Humans have also given these animals plenty of places to take up residence. Opossums will take shelter in abandon buildings, in old sheds, barns and even under porches. Where ever they find food and water, they will also look for shelter.

So, there you have it. Opossums do still exist out in the wild, but you will find more of them in an urban setting. The absence of predators and plentiful food offer them an easy existence in an urban setting. Urban opossums tend to have a shorter life span than their wild counterparts. On average, they live about two years instead of three. This may be due to the presence of automobiles and the type of food they eat.


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