The smallest opossum in our care right now Gaping in opossums, is a defense mechanism where they open their mouths wide to show their 50 teeth, accompanied by hissing and growling, to bluff and scare away predators like humans, rather than to attack. It's a display of fear and intimidation, even seen in babies before they have teeth, signaling "stay away" as part of their survival strategy, which also includes playing dead Opossums have 50 teeth, which is more than any other land mammal in North

A Momma Opossum and her 13 babies in care. She was found emaciated and weak but is improving everyday. The babies are also learning to drink and eat on their own. #marsupial #opossum #tickeaters | Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center