The Virginia opossum, also known as the North American opossum, is the only opossum living north of Mexico, its range extending south into Central America. It is the northernmost marsupial in the world. In the United States and Canada, it is typically called a possum, ‘possum, or opossum.
 
Opossums, sometimes referred to just as possums, are a benefit to ecosystems and a healthy environment beyond eradicating ticks. They will catch and eat cockroaches, rats, and mice – in addition to consuming dead animals of all types (also known as carrion). Making them key players in our ecosystem.