Virginia opossums nest in brush piles, hollow trees, buildings, drainage areas, and abandoned burrows covered with woody cover and filled with dry leaves or paper.
Virginia opossums nest in varied denning sites including brush piles, hollow trees, and drainage areas. They may also use buildings or abandoned burrows.
Virginia opossums fill their den with substrate including dry leaves or shredded paper. They change denning sites often only remaining in the same den for long periods only while they are weaning young.
One study showed that one in every four dens in the range was occupied by the opossum. The fact that more dens were always available than were in use proves that den factors place no limitation on the opossum. The preferred dens were usually covered with woody cover or another type of protection.
Sources: (Allen, Marchinton, & MacLentz, 1985; Hoffmeister, 2002; Hossler, McAninch, & Harder, 1994; Kimble, 1997; Ladine & Kissell, Jr., 1994; Lay, 1942; McManus, 1974; McRuer & Jones, 2009; Pérez-Hernandez, R., Lew, D., & Solari, 2016; Siciliano, 2013; Wilemon, 2008; Wright, Burt, & Jackson, 2012)
Image: zicard2
