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Virginia Opossum

Virginia Opossum line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Virginia Opossum full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Virginia Opossum was completed on 3.8.2010. The drawing was actually created several years ago for a project that was never completed. I kept the drawing, and recently decided to add color to it. I like opossums, and enjoy the occasional encounter with them in my yard (even though they are technically 'invaders' to this area!

Information about the Virginia Oppossum:

The Virginia Opossum, also called the North American Opossum, is found throughout areas east of the Rocky Mountains, south from Ontario and down well into Central America. There is also a population that has been introduced into California. The are the only marsupial native to North America and the largest living member of it's genus. Opossums are opportunistic feeds, and will feed on plant matter, carrion and insects. If the animal feels threatened, it will bear it's teeth, hissing and screeching. If it feel sufficiently threatened it will feign death or 'play possum', which is now understood to be an involuntary reaction to fear. During this coma like state, the animal will lay on it's side with it's tongue out and discharge a foul fluid discouraging predators.