Squirrels & Opossums

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Although they are not related, squirrels and opossums share some very endearing characteristics. Both are shy, harmless creatures that are important members of their ecosystems. Here at Abbe-Freeland, we care for countless squirrel and opossum babies who have lost their mothers and need to be bottle-, tube- or syringe-fed and cared for until they're old enough to release. 

 

Did you know?

• In Greek, the word “squirrel means” shadow tail. The name reportedly reflects tree squirrels' habit of hiding in the shadow of their long, bushy tails

• The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed, which gives them the ability to run up and down trees very quickly 

• A group of squirrels is called a "scurry" or "dray"

• Squirrels are nature's planters, moving and burying seeds and thus expanding and diversifying forests

• Virginia opossums are the only marsupials native to North America (not be confused with arboreal marsupials of Australia and New Guinea that are called possums) 

• Opossums have the equivalent of opposable thumbs

• Opossums are nature’s clean-up and pest-control crew! They eat carrion, rodents, snakes, insects, snails, slugs, bugs, rotting fruit and tons and tons of ticks

• When threatened, opossums run, growl, belch, urinate, and defecate. And when all else fails, they “play possum” and act as if they’re dead 

• Female opossums carry their offspring (joeys) in their pouches

• Opossums have a naturally low body temperature making them virtually immune to rabies

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Your tax-deductible donations help us give these wild ones a second chance.

We appreciate any amount you can give.  

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