Many people falsely assume opossums carry the rabies virus. When confronted by a human, who is naturally viewed as a potential predator by an opossum, most possums will "grin" to show its formidable set of teeth, drool, growl and probably play possum all in the hopes that you will think it sick or dead and leave it alone. While it is true that any mammal can get rabies, the possibility of healthy opossum carrying rabies is extremely rare. Scientists believe the opossum's low body temperature (94-97 degrees) makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in the opossum's body. According to the NC Division of Public Health 2008 Rabies Report, between 2004-2008, there were only 2 cases of rabies involving opossums. It is suggested that both these possums were sick and running fevers when they contracted rabies.

The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. A marsupial is an animal with a short gestation period that gives birth to pre-mature babies who continue developing in the mother's pouch. They do not have placentas. The opossum's name is derived from the Algonquin word 'apasum', which means 'white animal.' The name 'opossum' was first used by Captain John Smith in 1608.Colloquially, it is also called "possum," but should not be confused with the Australian Possum.

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