Written by Zoey Prevost

When you think of marsupials (animals that carry their young in abdominal pouches), you probably think about Australia, not the Texas wetlands at Armand Bayou. But did you know that we have one very special marsupial here: the Possum! They are America’s only marsupial. While that is a unique and undeniably cool trait, it is only the first of many things that make possums awesome.

Diet- One amazing adaptation of possums is their flexible diet- these animals can eat almost anything! This trait is great for possums, as it allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions with varying food sources. It is also largely beneficial to humans, as this diet helps keep pests in check. Possums will both compete with pests for food and simply eat the pests. By eating rodents, roaches, snails, and slugs, possums protect our crops and gardens.

Reducing the Spread of Lyme Disease- Possums are uniquely good groomers, which protects them and surrounding animals from the ticks that spread Lyme disease. Possums will kill around 90% of the ticks that attempt to attach to their body, amounting to each possum killing an average of 5,000 ticks a season. Particularly in suburban areas, where the illness can spread rapidly, possums are great at protecting their environment from Lyme disease with a large-scale elimination of ticks.

Resistance to Snake Venom- Possums produce a protein that neutralizes the venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. The benefit of this is twofold. Firstly, possums are able to eat venomous snakes, meaning that any area with possums is much safer from these snakes. Secondly, the possums hold the key to a future of cheaper and more efficient antivenoms. Scientists are currently researching ways to use a peptide in the possum’s protein to create better antivenoms. This project shows promise, as one researcher discovered how to cheaply produce this peptide by having bacteria synthesize it.

Resistance to Rabies- Another amazing trait of the possum is its resistance to rabies. While all mammals, including humans, can get rabies, it is incredibly rare for possums to be infected due to their significantly lower body temperature. Since possums can’t spread rabies, they are much safer to be around than one might think.

Possums are awesome creatures with many weird but amazing adaptations. When at Armand Bayou Nature Center keep an watch for these amazing animals that do so much for us! They may be cute and beneficial to humans, but they are wild animals. So for your safety and theirs, please admire them from afar and don’t approach, touch, or feed them.