This was what was in our yard this morning probably less than 25 feet from our house (actually, probably less than 15 feet!)
This is an American o'possum or, as they're called here, just plain ole possum. We have quite a few of these guys hanging around but they're rarely seen in the daytime. This one was feasting on some fallen apples or maybe even some grubs - I really didn't want to get close enough to see!
The possum is pretty laid back, not usually dangerous but they do have very sharp teeth and can bite. Mostly they act like they're dead if they feel threatened without any means of escape. And if they can get away they'd rather run than fight.
They are the only marsupial in the US and not nearly as cute as their Australian counterparts. In fact, they're pretty ugly with that long pointy face, rat-like tail and beady eyes but their fur is rather pretty and many of the old-timers survived by eating them.
We saw a female possum carrying her babies on her back earlier this spring but none of the photos I took of her were any good as it was dusk dark when she appeared. This could very well be one of her offspring as it's a little more than half the size she was.
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