Mammals The Opossum 
usually rents its house ready-made, not taking the 
trouble to dig it out, but makes a warm nest for itself 
when cold weather threatens, by carrying in dried 
grass and leaves rolled into bundles so as to be carried 
by the useful tail. It does not sleep all winter, but 
comes out often to visit hen-roosts, and even kitchens 
trying to find something to eat. 
The opossum has a most interesting form. Its tail 
is scaly, and acts as a third hand when the creature is 
climbing, since it can be twined around a branch and 
will hold the weight of the animal, which is thus 
enabled to swing from one tree to another. Its feet 
look very much like hands, and are made for grap- 
pling; but the most interesting thing about the 
opossum is the pocket in which the mother carries her 
babies, which are born blind and naked, when not 
more than an inch long. With her teeth the little 
mother places each helpless mite in her pocket, where 
it clings to a teat; and here safe in the pouch the 
babies stay for about two months while they grow 
very rapidly. After a little they climb out and 
clamber around on the mother’s back and anchor 
themselves by twisting their own tails about that of 
their parent; but they rush back into the pouch when 
there are signs of danger. 
“Playing ‘possum’ is a common saying, and it 
refers to this creature’s habit of acting as if it were 
dead when overcome by the enemy. It acts this part 
so well that it may be maltreated severely but will 
not give a sign to show that it is alive. But if it sees 
the enemy off guard for a moment it comes to life and 
disappears very suddenly. 
The young opossum makes an interesting pet. It 
is sharp-witted and knowing, and is very fond of 
play. However, it does not become attached to 
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