Opossums, the Marsupial Evolutionary Wonder of America

Opossums are America's only marsupial and while they may not be the cuddliest critters, they are an evolutionary wonder.

Hosted by Ed Clark, Untamed takes you behind the scenes of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where diagnosing and treating the injuries of its patients is just the beginning of the Center’s investigative and conservation work. The team also strives to identify and address the threats and hazards that cause harm to wildlife in the first place—issues ranging from illegal human activities to environmental contamination to emerging wildlife disease.

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[theveteran]

I raised 3 opossums after their mother died. We had no place to take them to so we kept them. They would run around my house at night and have all kinds of fun. EVERY night they would get in my bed and jump on me and slap me in the face until I woke up and gave them a piece of candy! They would beg just like a dog. Then they would go back to bed. They would use the litter box and had NO smell. They were the cleanest pets I have EVER owned and NEVER once bit me or anyone else! I tried to let them go but every time I opened my door they would run in and refuse to go back outside. I live in a city and the people would kill them if they could! Once they knew I had 3 of them they would insist I bring them to every party so they could play with them! From then on everyone started leaving food out for other opossums. I guess you could say they saved a lot of opossums lives! They lived about 4 years before they died and I miss them terribly! Rest in peace little guys! 😞

[Darujistab]

What is this about not elegant, not graceful, not wonderful? Opossums are ADORABLE. They make it on my list! <3

[OldRancher]

Opossums keep the slugs and snails out of my garden, anyone with a garden should want them around, my dogs that watch over the property been taught to leave them alone and they do. The way I see it, it's free help and as the saying goes, use what nature provides.

[arndg]

0:28 "and while it may not be beautiful" cut to a picture of a regular opossum looking adorable

[Cantillions]

It's 4:30 AM and I'm watching a man teach about opossums...it's a good morning. Love this guy

[olafelsberry]

Because of opossums my grandfather never had to worry about slugs and snails in his garden.

[davidmacleod]

I met a possum in my shack and sat and talked to him/her for about an hour until he/she felt comfortable enough to walk right past me and out the door. I guess what I had to say wasn’t interesting enough. Lol

[deeriggs]

I had a possum that I found with her deceased momma that I kept and raised.. she was so tiny idk how I kept her alive. Anyway I didn’t feel like she’d survive on her own so I kept her as a pet.. thank goodness for google. She was the sweetest pet and I absolutely loved her. She ran around my house potty trained and all..I had her three years until she passed away. Before her I always saw possums as pests but now they are my fave little animals. They are fascinating and nature’s pest control.

[bonitajanssen]

COME ON PEOPLE, RESPECT NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY MARSUPIAL ALREADY! REALY!!!

[NigelThornbery]

0:33 “and while it may not be beautiful of charismatic” possum trying his best smile in background like it’s picture day.

[unknowncreature-]

"the modern opossum was once a contemporary of the sabertooth tiger" I find that so hilarious because opossums are just like :V

[madnessends]

It really sucks that they live so little. Such a short lifespan :(

[neh]

I'm nocturnal myself, so I've had many opportunities to observe my backyard Opposums clean up around the bird feeder. I find them to be charming, adorable & interesting. I don't find them ugly at all, however, when they are at the end of their lives they do seem to look quite disheveled. If any of my neighbors even knew that we have so many different nocturnal animals, they wouldn't sleep a wink. Every month some imbecile or another claims "the Coyotes are back again"' as though they may have gone on vacation & somehow returned. They don't realize that our Coyotes follow the creek bed as they hunt between 2-4 a.m. Thanks, this was a great documentary which I enjoyed immensely.

[francespelletier]

Opossums eat my cats leftover dry food while they sit by and watch them! It's almost like they're part of the family. They're so cute.

[cotton]

"and while it may not be beautiful" HE SAYS WHILE SHOWING THE CUTEST OPOSSUM I'VE EVER SEEN

[systemsoundbar]

imagine that, they've existed millions of years ago and still have a life span of about 2 years. the wonders of nature.

[yukowolfang]

I almost always tear with joy seeing and hearing about opossums. They are such perfect little creatures.

[bonnieforman]

I live in northern Massachusetts and I love the possums and feed a family of them every night on my second floor deck. They come up there for protection at night. I give them food and water, they love their sweet grapes, all year round. I also have 2 neighborhood cats that I feed and they all get along pretty well. In the winter, I have a heated house for them to sit in on cold nights. I believe I am on my fifth generation of one family, however I've never seen more than 3 babies at a time. They just keep bringing their kids every year. I love them.

[DontWalkRUN]

Thank you for this. Very, very educational. Also, they're adorable.

[dayglowjim]

I have a possum here at my house, and I love it! I think possums are so cute! They also eat ticks, and clean up left over cat and chicken food, keeping the rat population down.