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These underappreciated mammals are the only marsupials found in the United States. They are nocturnal (active at night) and are very common within Baltimore City's limits, as well as its suburbs.
Opossums are slow, non-aggressive foragers. They are omnivorous, feeding on berries, worms, insects, bird eggs and human leftovers.
Females carry their young in a pouch until they are too large to fit inside. At this age, the young ride on their mother's back, clinging to her fur.
Opossums climb well and may enter basements or take up residence under a deck or porch. When opossums reside in a crawlspace or basements they can be quite messy. Accumulated feces and fleas can present a hazard to humans or pets.
They are not aggressive and usually freeze when frightened -- giving them the appearance of being dead and leading to the old saying, "playing oposuum."