Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about opossums is false?

1. Usually live for over eight years in the wild

2. The newborn are blind and the size of honey bees

3. The young begin to leave the pouch and explore at 8 weeks

4. Adults are omnivorous

The correct answer is: Usually live for over eight years in the wild

The statement that opossums usually live for over eight years in the wild is false. In fact, opossums have a relatively short lifespan, typically living only around two to four years in the wild due to various factors such as predation, disease, and environmental hazards. Though in captivity they can live longer, their natural lifespan in the wild is not as extensive as the statement suggests. The other statements about opossums are indeed true. The newborn opossums are indeed born very small and blind, comparable in size to honey bees, and they continue to develop in the mother’s pouch after birth. The young opossums do begin to leave the pouch and explore their surroundings around eight weeks old. Finally, adults are known to be omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including fruits, insects, and small animals, making them adaptable in their diets.