Why is this possum awake?

I was surprised to see an opossum during the day because I know that they are nocturnal. Why might this animal be awake at this time? -William, age 11

Hi, William:

Wow, those are some great opossum photos! Thanks for sharing them!

You’re absolutely right that opossums are usually nocturnal. However, in the winter, it can become so difficult for them to find enough food that they change their habits and stay active during the daytime.

(Here are The West Woods Nature Center, we frequently see an opossum coming to our bird feeder on winter days. There’s no better cold-weather snack than bird-scattered sunflower seeds!)

If you’re lucky enough to see your opossum again this spring, try using binoculars to take a closer look at its ears and tail. These bits of exposed skin can easily be injured by frostbite, and can serve as a good clue about how rough the winter has been for your opossum. (March and April are also the most common months for spotting opossum babies, so keep an eye out!)

If you’d like to read more about my favorite fifty-toothed forest-floor friend, you could try the book There’s An Opossum In My Backyard by Gary Bogue, or any of the many other great books about nocturnal animals.

-Naturalist Dottie Drockton