Virginia Opossum

North Carolina designated the Virginia opossom as the official state marsupial in 2013. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is native to North Carolina and is the only marsupial found in North America (It is also one of the oldest and most primitive species of mammal found in North America).

The female opossom carries her underdeveloped young in a pouch until they are capable of living independently. The Virginia opossum is nocturnal and lives in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous forests, open woods, and farmland (it prefers wet areas such as marshes, swamps, and streams).

Learn more by viewing our article: 10 Fun Facts About Opossums