Wed, 06 May 2026 15:56:53 +0000

From Trees to Streets: How Possums Are Redefining Survival South of the Mason-Dixon In the evolving landscape of American wildlife, one species is quietly reshaping how animals adapt to urban life: the elusive possum. Often overlooked or misunderstood, these resilient marsupials are increasingly finding new niches south of the Mason-Dixon Line—transforming forests, suburbs, and city streets alike. Known scientifically as opossums, these remarkable creatures are proving to be far more than scruffy remnants of the wild; they are master survivors redefining what it means to thrive in a human-dominated environment. Adaptability Extends Beyond Trees Once primarily forest dwellers, today’s possums are noticing and exploiting the gradual expansion of urban sprawl. From the dense woodlands of the North to the bustling streets and backyards of Southern towns and cities, possums are proving their survival skills in unexpected settings. Their ability to adapt to diverse habitats—from rooftop gardens to storm drain systems—demonstrates an uncanny flexibility. This shift is driving what researchers are calling “urban wildlife innovation,” where possums are learning to navigate traffic, avoid predators, and scavenge food from landfills and kitchen scraps.