Considered the only Mexican marsupial, the opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) or opossum, is an omnivorous mammal that lives in the temperate and warm areas of the national territory, from the coasts of Guerrero, through Mexico City, to the north, in states such as Tamaulipas and Nuevo León.
And although according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is not in danger of extinction, we must protect it, especially during its breeding season, when the probability of encountering a baby increases.
Opossum and its mating season
According to the Tamaulipas civil association Conibio Global, the breeding season for these marsupials begins in March and ends in June.
Consequently, in these months it is common to find babies without their parents because these mammals are attacked by domestic animals or even people; and when they try to escape, the babies fall off their mothers' backs, losing their chances of survival.
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What to do if we find a baby?
- First, you have to look for the mother, she may be nearby. If so, the baby is carefully taken and without sounds or sudden movements, it is delicately approached.
- If the parent is nowhere to be seen, the calf should be protected in a cardboard box with rags and taken to a veterinarian. In this way, a specialist will give her food until she is strong enough to return to her habitat.
Why we should protect the life of the opossum
First of all, this animal has been part of the Mexican landscape for about 60 million years; It is believed that it evolved, as we know it, in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic era.
Also, it is an important part of the national imagination since its name comes from Nahuatl which means “the little one who eats fire”, in reference to a Mazatec legend in which the opossum was the one who shared the gift of fire with the human race.
To know more: The legend of the opossum that brought fire to humanity
Finally, in addition to their friendliness, possums are essential for controlling pests and crawling insects, which benefits us all.
Continue reading: The opossum: the only Mexican marsupial