Our only marsupial, the Virginia Opossum, Didelphis virginiana, commonly called possum, is plenty familiar with the city.
But, being nocturnal, they aren’t seen all that often. This one seems to have lingered past sunrise, at a favored food source: the garbage pails.
Remember, these critters are highly resistant to rabies. If they’re snarling at you it means you’re too damn close. And they will faint from stress, the famous “playing possum” trick.
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Would there were an antidote to political rabies! That most overrated of Senators, John McCain, yesterday achieved a notoriety even worse than inflicting Sarah Palin on the nation. It’s traditional not to speak ill of the dead (evidently they can’t hear you), so let me get this in now while there is still life in the old bastard.
Another one f my favorite animals. I actually follow a possum rescuer on FBook.
So ugly they are cute. Not like politicians.
Love opossums. Plus they eat ticks!
I used to throw a paper route in Tampa, FL (many years ago) and would see them frequently at that early hour. They and the raccoons would use the storm drains like subway routes.
Oh, you are so right about McCain. My thoughts exactly.