The
Virginia opossum (
Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the
North American opossum, is the only
marsupial found in
North America north of
Mexico. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a
possum. It is a solitary and
nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat. It is a successful opportunist. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through garbage cans, or lying by the road, a
victim of traffic.