Natural History and Rehabilitation of the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Authors

  • Rose Augustine Willowbrook Wildlife Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v28.102

Keywords:

Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana, wildlife rehabilitation

Abstract

As the only pouched mammal in the United States, the Virginia opossum is a unique animal for rehabilitators. This paper focuses on the natural history and rehabilitation of orphan opossums, and addresses the common challenges faced in a captive rehabilitation setting. Some of the ideas discussed include feeding, indoor and outdoor housing, enrichment, and release considerations.

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Author Biography

Rose Augustine, Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Rose Augustine is the Wildlife Specialist at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, IL, where she has been employed since 1998. Willowbrook annually receives almost 8,000 animals native to northeastern Illinois for rehabilitation.

References

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Huckabee, J., DVM. 1997. Understanding the Virginia Opossum. The NWRA Quarterly Journal. 15(2): 1–2, 9.

Hunsacker, D., II, (editor). 1977. The Biology of Marsupials. Academic Press: New York, NY.

Joosten, S., and A. Moore. 2004. Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation, 2nd edition. National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: St. Cloud, MN.

Kurta, A. 1995. Mammals of the Great Lakes Region. The University of Michigan Press: Ann Arbor, MI.

Marcum, D. 1984. Rearing Orphaned Opossum. Pp. 54–63 in Wildlife Rehabilitation, Volume 2 (P. Beaver, editor.). National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: St. Cloud, MN.

McManus, J. J. 1974. Mammalian Species: Didelphis virginiana. The American Society of Mammalogists. 40: 1–6.

Neff, T., DVM. 1997. Common Medical Problems in Orphaned Opossums. The NWRA Quarterly Journal. 15(2): 10–11.

Schwartz, C. W., and E. R. Schwartz. 1981. The Wild Mammals of Missouri. University of Missouri Press and Missouri Department of Conservation: Columbia, MO.

Taylor, P. 1997. Captive Care of Neonate Opossums. The NWRA Quarterly Journal. 15(2): 3–7.

Published

2010-12-31

How to Cite

Augustine, R. (2010). Natural History and Rehabilitation of the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin, 28(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v28.102

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Original Articles

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