I am from Utah where the largest rodents I have seen are mice. Although I did see a muskrat or a beaver once in Idaho, I can't be sure which one. Since moving to Michigan I have wanted to see an opossum (the only marsupial native to North America) alive and kicking. I see their lifeless carcasses on the road quite often but never alive, until last night.
I left a friends movie party early, sorry Brian, to get some homework done. I was driving on a secluded road near my house when what should wander across the road right in front of my car, an opossum! I slowed and took a good look at it. I now know why I see so many dead ones along the road because possums are not very quick on the ground.
The opossum did have tiny beady red eyes which was a little frightening and yes perhaps even looked a little like Dick Cheney. I am just glad that I slowed down enough to have seen one alive and well. For all I know it could have been carrying its offspring in its pouch at that very moment and my alert, careful driving saved a whole opossum family. Not something I can say for a certain squirrel that met my car last year and now gathers nuts and berries in heaven instead of Ann Arbor Michigan.
I would be interested to know who calls them possum v. opossum?
10 comments:
I swear, I never in my life hear anyone say opossum until moving in with you. I've only every heard or said possum. Am I crazy? Or just not very observant? It's very possible-- but I'm definitely not the only one out there who says "possum" instead of "opossum."
I think I say opossum, but I sometimes say "a possum" as in "I saw a possum." But then I think that's wrong and correct it with "an opussum." It's gotten to the point where when I see one, I just don't tell anyone because it's too confusing.
I admit I would spell it with an "o" but I always say it without the "o". Wikipedia says that possum is just the short from used by North Americans for opossum.
I think I say opossum...but now I am not sure.
And that picture is a lot cuter than any opossums I have ever seen, alive or dead. And a lot cuter than Dick Cheney. Maybe it's the offspring. Babies make everything look cuter.
Hmm...I've never really thought about it, and now I'm trying to decide which I say and they both sound right to me... Anyways, I was going to give you a hard time for leaving Brian's early, but it sounds like it was completely worth it for the...opossum...
I must disagree with Amy. Whether I say possum or opossum is not an issue for me. The real issue is how I find the mother (o)possum and her babies completely terrifying! I would freak out if this traveling circus crossed in front of me. And no, Jessica, it's not because I don't like kids. 'Cause I do, I promise...
I'm glad to see that the opossum made it out alive. As for the spelling, which is definitely not my strength, I will take your word on it seeing how you will probably be a professor or something like that someday. Sophie thinks, / hntuj myhtj gjh jth jtjyhtjh tyjjh j hj hjtj huol ik hnli yjmlu r ,imnh ;v i i eoo o ii o igi ik gtiio. Good Luck trying to figure out what she just told you.
I feel completely unintelligent. I had no idea that it was ever an "Opossum". Oh and Jonathan, you really shouldn't be so frightened. Possums (or opossums, whatev) love Texas. We use to have a family living in my garage (which we weren't so happy about since they scared my cat away and ate her food). Jessica, my favorite "new" Michigan animal is the woodchuck I saw off of Fuller. Talk about wildlife!
That's so awesome that you got a good, long close look. I'm jealous.
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