Taxidermy: A North American or Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), modern, a high quality full mount adult male in foraging pose with head and nose lowered, overall length 49cm, height 20cm.

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is the only found north of Mexico, with its range additionally extending south into Central America . Its range makes it both the northernmost opossum and the northernmost marsupial in the world. In the United States, the animal is typically referred to simply as a possum ('possum) or an opossum. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and a successful opportunist . Opossums are familiar to many North Americans as they frequently inhabit settled areas due to the associated proximity to food sources, notably trash cans, as well as pet food, compost piles, gardens, rodents, etc. Their slow and nocturnal nature, and their attraction to roadside carrion , puts them in danger of becoming roadkill.