National Opossum Day celebrates North America’s only marsupial, the Virginia opossum – a unique creature known for its remarkable survival skills and ecological contributions.
Quick Facts
When is it?: October 18th
Tagged as: Wildlife Appreciation Day
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOpossumDay
When was it founded?: Not officially documented
Who founded it?: Origins unclear
History of National Opossum Day
The term ‘opossum’ originates from the Powhatan language, first documented between 1607-1611 by English explorers John Smith and William Strachey in Virginia. The word derives from a Proto-Algonquian term meaning “white dog or dog-like beast.”
Timeline
- 1608: Captain John Smith first documents the term ‘opossum’
- 1610: Term ‘opassum’ Anglicized to ‘opossum’ by Captain George Percy
- 1804: Official taxonomic classification as Didelphis virginiana
- 2020: Highest social media engagement for National Opossum Day
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October | 18 | Saturday |
| 2026 | October | 18 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October | 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | October | 18 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | October | 18 | Thursday |
| 2030 | October | 18 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature centers across North America through educational programs and awareness campaigns.
Fun Facts About Opossums
- They are North America’s only marsupial
- Can eat up to 4,000 ticks per week
- Have 50 teeth – more than any North American land mammal
- Famous for “playing possum” when threatened
- Have prehensile tails for climbing
- Naturally resistant to rabies and snake venom
Quiz
- What continent are opossums native to?
- How many teeth does an opossum have?
- What’s unique about their tail?
(Answers: 1. North America, 2. 50, 3. It’s prehensile)
FAQs
- Are opossums dangerous? No, they’re typically docile and prefer to avoid confrontation
- Do they really play dead? Yes, it’s an involuntary response to extreme fear
- Are they good for the environment? Yes, they eat pests and help control tick populations
Related
- World Wildlife Day
- National Animal Day
- Endangered Species Day
- World Marsupial Day
- National Wildlife Day