This one time I caught an opossum with a back full of babies. I can’t remember if I ever posted the clip. I always hoped to catch them again.
According to the search engine AI – opossums have the shortest gestation period of any N American mammal lasting 11-13 days. Then they are about the size of a bumblebee and have to crawl to the pouch. Seems like a lot to ask. If they make it they live in the pouch for 2 months. After that they cling to Mom’s back for another month or so.
It says a litter can be 4-25 joeys. YIKES. But there are only 13 nipples so for most of them: sorry, bub. Generally only 1 in 10 makes it to reproductive age. That explains why we aren’t living in a world of opossum packs.
Last month I caught these pretty big guys on camera again but only for a few seconds and to close to the camera so it’s not a great shot but still exciting. I kept hoping to catch them again but they look big enough to walk by themselves. I’m sure Mom kicked them off right after this pic.
If all goes as planned I am out of town and hopefully have a relaxing weekend. More when I return.
