Opossum In Our Yard

Yesterday evening, Kitty and I were enjoying one of the last warm days of the year. I sat on the step watching the sun set as Kitty rolled around like she does when she goes outside. Finally it was time to go in and get supper ready. I picked up Kitty and as we approached the door she stiffened up as she caught sight of something in the yard.

I looked too.

It was a possum just walking along rooting around here and there like a pig. Kitty wanted to go after it for a few rounds.

“No Kitty, you can’t fight a possum, you’d lose.”  So I took Kitty in, grabbed my camera and went back out. I approached it slowly taking pics as I went, and expecting it to run away.

But it didn’t.   It just stared at me.

So I got down on the ground at eye level and clicked away.

It looked sorta like something out of a Beatrix Potter book. Doesn’t it look Mrs. Tiggywinkle?

Then Harland came driving down the road.  He stopped, got out and joined me on the ground taking pics.

Then another car went past and slowed down…stared at us….then sped up and drove away. What must they have thought of 2 people laying in the grass near the road taking pics of a possum?

Oh well.

Finally we left the possum alone and as we walked away, it began rooting around in the lawn again like nothing had happened. We’re thinking this is the possum that lives in a culvert near our garage. Must be pretty used to us by now to be so tolerant and unfazed.

I’ve always thought possums were kinda ugly. But after being up close to one, I’ve changed my mind. They’re kinda cute.

I’m naming this one Mrs. Tiggywinkle.

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Suzanne

Cattle, corn, wheat, beans, mud, snow, ice, and drought. Plenty of fresh air and quiet. Our life is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous, but never boring.

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17 Responses

  1. Kathy says:

    I have opossums in my yard too and always thought that they were ugly and rat like. I’m going to have to give them a second look.

  2. Alica says:

    I sure hope Mrs. Tiggywinkle behaves herself!:)

  3. Pam K. says:

    I’m amazed the possum tolerated you that well! Was it sick or wounded? They can be pretty darn mean, so I’m glad he didn’t take a notion to attack you and Harland!

    • Suzanne says:

      Didn’t look sick or wounded, and I was surprised too. But I watched for a while after I walked away and it went about it’s business of grubbing for insects int he lawn. Acted like it was just another day for it. I’m pretty sure this is the one that lives near the garage and we see it out there all the time. Might be the one also who hangs out with the barn cats too.

  4. Tina says:

    I hope Mrs. T behaves as well but I have no idea just what possums do. I have never seen one outside a zoo and have no idea! They don’t live in the Desert Southwest where I am. Do they live underground?

    • Suzanne says:

      No, they live above ground eating anything edible. The most interesting thing about them is that they are a marsupial, like kangaroos, and carry their babies around in a pouch.

  5. They’re cute in that ugly cute way. They also can be vicious. I’ve seen them look rabid and it’s odd to see one in the daylight. I would have been nervous being that close.

  6. Glyndalyn says:

    Good to see possums have a publicist. They are an interesting marsupial, the only one in North America. We see them under the bird feeder but not usually in daylight. They scavenge all kinds of “food.”

  7. Edith says:

    It’s very young. This is why it’s so cute…..:o) Older ones are butt-ugly!

  8. Brian says:

    What’s that sticking out of its mouth on the sides, behind the teeth?

  9. Laura says:

    I’ve seen possums many times but never one that close up. I believe that is the ONLY way I want to see the up close possum view….thru your camera lens. You and Harland are very brave in my book!

  10. Tracey M. says:

    I have a new appreciation for the possum based on your wonderful photos! I love the coloring of their fur and their little face. I was always turned off by their vicious reputation and long rat-like tail, but I can understand they are that way to protect themselves from potential danger. Looks like he survived a good tussle with his ear being ripped like that. Thanks for sharing this close up view!

  11. Oh, Mrs. Tiggywinkle is very cute, I must say! I never ever thought a possum could be so cute and I am surprised myself. We caught one by accident in our raccoon trap out by the hen house. It would bare it’s teeth when you got close to the cage…glad my husband had the job of letting him go. Looks like Mr. Tiggywinkle has been in a couple of scuffles..her poor ear. I chuckled when you said to Kitty that she would lose in a fight with the possum…I think you are right!

  12. Doe of Mi. says:

    I saw a fella from a Zoo on TV recently who said they are one of the cleanest animals in the country. Which really surprized me because they always look dirty to me. See his nose!?! I get them every so often on my deck. One night I seen my cat looking interested in something outside so I turned the light on and here was an opossum with his nose about half an inch from the window looking back at my cat. Cracked me up.

  13. Patty B says:

    Beautiful photos of a cute little opossum.

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