RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — There is only one kind of marsupial found north of Mexico — and it bears Virginia’s namesake.

The Virginia opossum is the full name of the fuzzy little creature many drivers see along roadways and plenty of residents see rifling through their trashcans. You may often hear them referred to as simply “opossums,” or the more casual “possums.”

This robust marsupial is the only one of its kind that can be found in America, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

What is a Virginia opossum and where are they found?

Virginia opossums are most recognizable by their hairless, prehensile tails. They also have sharp claws with opposable halluxes — essentially, they have thumbs. According to the National Zoo, this allows Virginia opossums to be talented climbers.

A Virginia opossum. (Photo: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) notes that the Virginia opossum has 50 teeth — which is more than any other mammal in Virginia.

These animals have been spotted beyond U.S. borders, in places like Costa Rica and British Columbia.

They are a widespread species and comfortable in a variety of habitats. Though they prefer woodlands near water, they’ve been found virtually everywhere, from deserts to wet meadows.

As a marsupial, the Virginia opossum is known to carry its babies in a pouch on its abdomen. Female opossums usually experience an about 13-day pregnancy, according to the Virginia DWR.

A mother Virginia opossum with multiple joeys, or babies. (Photo: Wildlife NYC)

When female opossums give birth, they can have anywhere from four to 25 “joeys,” or baby opossums. According to the National Zoo, these little opossums are typically the size of a kidney bean at birth.

Virginia opossums are known to live to be about 1.5 to 2 years old. In captivity, they can live between 3 and 4 years, according to the National Zoo.

How do Virginia opossums behave?

Virginia opossums are nocturnal, meaning they are awake at night and sleep during the day. According to the Virginia DWR, they’re known to make a nest of leaves in a log, tree or cliff to sleep. They are also known to use a woodchuck or skunk burrow.

Opossums are omnivores, described as “opportunistic feeders” by the National Zoo. They can vary their diet depending on the season and what’s available.

A joey, or baby, Virginia opossum. (Photo: Wildlife NYC)

They are known to eat small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, worms, insects, fruits, seeds and plant material — all varying based on a specific Virginia opossum’s environment.

These animals usually live solitary lives. Mothers are known to raise their babies until they are about 100 to 110 days old, at which point maternal care ends, according to the Virginia DWR.

Opossums’ biggest threat is — as hinted at above — being hit by vehicles. According to the National Zoo, there is somewhat of a market for their meat and furs, but crashes remain the main danger to Virginia opossums.

A Virginia opossum. (Photo: Wildlife NYC)

To that point — when frightened, Virginia opossums are well-known for playing dead. The National Zoo stated this behavior is more common in younger opossums, with older opossums observed being more active when threatened. They have been known to bare their teeth, hiss, screech or flee.

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife emphasizes that, despite their difficulty in the sunlight, Virginia opossums are anything but stupid. They are reportedly smarter than dogs, with their intelligence believed to be equivalent to pigs.