Virginia Opossum

Link: http://www.americazoo.com/goto/index/mammals/4.htm

The Virginia Opossum is a very interesting critter! The only marsupial native to North America, it has a pouch like a Kangaroo where the female carries the babies (called Joeys) until they are weaned at around 3 months of age. The joeys will then ride on mom's back until they are large enough to run with her at night. The gestation period is only 13 days. When born, the joey is very premature and is the size of a raison. The mom licks a path to her pouch so the babies know where to go. Their mouths are sealed shut with the exception of a small hole in the front of the mouth. The babies swollow a nipple into their stomachs as Joeys are unable to suck like most mammals. The female opossum has 13 nipples, but a typical litter size is 7-9 babies.

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