In the outdoor enclosure of the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, surrounded by native plants and the sounds of local birds, resides our female Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana. She lives in the spotlight as a wildlife ambassador. Two years ago, a licensed local wildlife rehabilitator determined that she was non-releasable at an early age. Now, she inspires visitors of all ages to appreciate North America’s only marsupial.
Fully grown and accustomed to her routine of sleeping, eating, and working the irregular hours typical for an opossum, this mammal continues to inform the public that these animals are not the pests many think they are. Each week, she interacts with families, school groups, and curious visitors who may never have encountered a Virginia opossum up close. Indeed, she serves as a living myth-buster! Guests discover that opossums aren’t dirty or dangerous; they are some of nature’s most underappreciated allies. One of their key contributions is their role in reducing tick populations within their environment. A single opossum can consume thousands of ticks in a season while grooming. In the wild, opossums are omnivorous scavengers, much like mini street sweepers, eating seasonal ripe fruits, insects, and carrion, which helps limit the spread of diseases. Our opossum ambassador enjoys a diet of fruits, lean proteins such as cooked chicken or eggs, and summer treats, including grasshoppers.
During presentations, children are particularly intrigued by her unique traits: the opposable thumbs on her front and back feet, her hairless prehensile tail, and the well-known instinct to “play dead” when threatened. Like other nature center ambassadors, Ms. Opossum’s primary role is to help people develop empathy for misunderstood animals. Her gentle disposition helps bridge the gap between fear and fascination. Thanks to her becoming a wildlife ambassador, thousands of people may view opossums not as nuisances but as vital and remarkable members of our ecosystem. She is changing perceptions and promoting wildlife stewardship at the Nature Center through education and a touch of opossum charm.
Next time you spot a small mammal with a pointy pink nose and the appearance of a hairless tail in your yard, take a moment to appreciate the wild relatives of our wildlife ambassadors!
