Tims selected as educator of the year Mar 6, 2008
They have raised nine baby raccoons and four baby opossums, to date. After rearing the animals they successfully released them back into the wild. (Truman Democrat, AR)
Bill seeks to sweeten deal for sugar glider owners Mar 5, 2008
ATLANTA What do opossums and sugar gliders have in common. They're both marsupials, and they're both consid-ered wild animals in Georgia. (Catoosa County News, GA)
Go ahead and throw rice after weddings Feb 24, 2008
There are plenty more animal myths, such as ``Opossums sleep hanging by their tails'' and ``Bats are blind'' (they don't, and they aren't), but that's a tale for another day. Torrey Wenger has worked for the Research Program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center for more than 10 years. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
NASA Puts Saturn V Rocket on Display Feb 2, 2008
One would never know raccoons, birds and opossums were living in the 363-foot-long steel structure until recently. Once used for test firings at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the rocket spent 35 years laying on its side outside the neighboring U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which includes hundreds of artifacts from the earliest days of the U.S. space program. (Fox News)
Remains Found: Kids discover human skeleton while hunting in Osage County Feb 2, 2008
Officials say a couple of kids were reportedly out hunting opossums on Jan. 26, a few miles east of State Highway 11 in the area between Barnsdall and Avant when they came across some skeletal remains. According to Osage County Sheriff Ty Koch, the kids packed the bones into their vehicle and rode around for a awhile, showing them to their buddies. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
Refurbished moon rocket unveiled at Alabama space museum Jan 31, 2008
Huntsville (US) (AP): For decades the mammoth Saturn V rocket lay in sections outside the US Space t Center, a rusting hulk providing shelter to raccoons, birds and opossums. On Thursday, the newly-renovated rocket will be unveiled, the centerpiece of a USD 23. (Hindu)
Central Texas Rabies Cases Up In 2007 Jan 23, 2008
Rabies in opossums is extremely rare, but Texas had a documented case this year ... Nationwide, opossums are considered a "low-risk" species in the rabies transmission cycle and also in Texas' rabies control rules. (KWTX.com, TX)
Chatham police chief to retire Jan 15, 2008
He's removed opossums from under cars and helped carry a casket at a funeral. A local pastor flagged him down a few years ago to help load a piano. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Know "Lucky?" Jan 15, 2008
Dogs, raccoons and opossums are typical prey for alligators, Kramer said. "I've seen pictures of this alligator, and trust me, he's been eating well," said Kramer, who added he was determined to catch the reptile. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Rescue rangers: Mother-son team rehab injured lake animals for return to the wild Jan 5, 2008
Severe weather brings a crowd, as does springtime when people are out cutting down trees and then realize there's a nest of raccoons or opossums ... A family of opossums was just released back into the forest after spending months on the property. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
Woman mauled to death by pit bulls Dec 31, 2007
Maxine wrote on Dec 27, 2007 4:50 PM:" It is unfortunate that someone died under attack from any dog, but to call for the absolute abolishment of one breed due to ignorance is NOT the answer. There are no stupid animals, just stupid owners!! Dogs do what comes naturally. Are you going to outlaw the Dachshunds next? Am I a Nazi for owning one? Let us be reasonable. I have owned opossums, racoons, and other "wild" animals. ANY amimal reacts to certain situations in a predictable manner. If they... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Primitive early relative of armadillos helps rewrite evolutionary family tree Dec 12, 2007
These animals, known collectively as the Chucal Fauna, include at least 18 species of armadillos and glyptodonts, rodents, relatives of opossums, and a variety of extinct hoofed mammals. Together with the plant fossils recovered from the same area, these suggest that northern. (EurekAlert!)
Hunting and trapping opportunities for winter Dec 9, 2007
Furbearer hunting seasons continuing through the winter months, include: red and gray foxes, until Feb. 16, including Sundays; raccoons, until Feb. 16; bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb. 16; and skunks, opossums and weasels, until June 30 (certain restrictions apply during the spring gobbler season, so please refer to page 86 of the 2007-08 Digest). Furbearer trapping seasons include: beavers, Dec. 26-March 31 (bag limits depend on WMU, which is outlined on page 86 of the... (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Column: I like Opossums Nov 22, 2007
Opossums are, shall we say, unfortunate in the looks department ... Opossums just don't have any endearing qualities ... Opossums are North America's only marsupial, meaning they have a pouch to shelter their young. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Blazes recall chasing raccoons with fire Nov 14, 2007
The fact that they relied on the chickens for food made it important to keep intruders like bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks and opossums away from the chicken coop. In the late 1940s and early '50s, there were quite a few more of those animals around Alamo Pintado and fewer homes as well. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Jerry Davis column: Red tape delays wild elk release Nov 7, 2007
J. C. Snakedance wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:36 AM:" Once again, The DNR hasn't got a clue! Elk should be re-introduce back into Wisconsin. CWD? What a crock. Every species has a certain number that is sick. [White Tailed Deer also. It is said that CWD is a fatal brain disease, maybe. So is Rabies. Opossums, Skunks, Bats and other small animals carry this proven disease, but the fact is this. Small animals don't wreck vehicles! Let Nature take care of it's own. The weak will die off. The down side of... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Green reclaims Griffith Park Nov 5, 2007
Park rangers are encouraged by signs of deer, coyotes and opossums returning to the 1,200-acre burn area. They warn, however, that Griffith Park remains an island of open land in one of the continent's largest megalopolises. (Los Angeles Times)
ASK DR. MICHAEL FOX Nov 4, 2007
Opossums play dead rather than attack when they're afraid. Your neighbor should've removed his dog from the yard and left the opossum alone. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Hunting & Trapping Seasons on Tap For Commonwealth Outdoorsmen Oct 26, 2007
The general trapping season - for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and weasels - opened Oct. 21 and runs through Feb. 17. The season for mink and muskrats is Nov. 17 to Jan. 6; beavers, Dec. 26 to March 31. (Honesdale Wayne Independent, PA)
Family Dog Kills Rabid Raccon Oct 21, 2007
He says their country home is visited by other wild animals from time to time, including foxes and bobcats as well as raccoons and opossums. It was not until Monday morning that the Rottweiler delivered the rabid raccoon with a broken back into the yard. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Opponents growl over wildlife crossing Oct 13, 2007
Even some activists who have long supported green causes are ridiculing the idea of a special path on the Skirball Center Drive bridge so coyotes and opossums can commute across the Sepulveda Pass. "What are they going to do, have Doctor Dolittle standing there directing animals to use the bridge?" scoffed Ernest Frankel, a member of the Mountaingate Community Association, a residents group. (Boston Globe)
Creature feature Oct 11, 2007
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Animal Tales Oct 11, 2007
A litter of baby opossums snuggled in a pet carrier in a shed ... Story Photos Kathy Stelford has cared for seven baby opossums since August after a resident found the litter, which were alive in their mother s pouch after being hit by a car on Annie Glidden Road. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Walk on the wild side Oct 6, 2007
The Great Horned Owl grows to be about two feet tall, has yellow eyes and eats larger mammals such as opossums, rabbits, cats and even skunks. It is better known as the "hoot owl" and takes over the nests of hawks and falcons during nesting season. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Organic Matter for Composting Oct 3, 2007
These will decay, but they have the tendency to draw unwanted animals (raccoons, opossums, skunks and other scavengers). They also exude a terrible smell while decaying. (Suite101.com)
Streeterville restaurant passes inspection, reopens Sep 29, 2007
Learn about raccoons, opossums, skunks and flying squirrels during the Late Great Nocturnal Night event at the North Park Village Nature Center. Plus check out other events going on this weekend. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Raccoon tests positive for rabies, Public Health warns Sep 27, 2007
Keep pet food indoors at night to prevent skunks, raccoons, opossums, foxes, etc. from becoming uninvited visitors on your porch. (Mount Shasta News, CA)
Possum, no playing Sep 14, 2007
Opossums like to scavenge through garbage for food ... Opossums are about the size of a house cat, have long, hairless tails and small ears ... As you noted, opossums like to scavenge through scum. (The Palm Beach Post)
Critter control - How to keep the wildlife in the wild Sep 8, 2007
The omnivores of Fort Leavenworth - namely skunks, raccoons and opossums - are resourceful and mischievous ... Unlike the other omnivores, opossums rarely cause humans much trouble ... While they may sometimes get into basements, sheds or garages, opossums are not aggressive and are easily scared off. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Wildlife Sightings on the Rise in California Sep 5, 2007
-- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons or opossums, which are mountain lion prey. -- Do not approach a wild animal or run away from one. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Farewell to Thee, My Westside By DIANE LESMEZ, Contributing Editor Sep 1, 2007
Despite the ever-growing congestion of the Westside, I came face to face with wild animals such as opossums and even a raccoon foraging in the garage. Ironically, there were other types of wildness, such as the occasion in which four police cars converged at the same time at the intersection outside my bedroom window, trapping a low rider. (Brentwood Media Group, CA)
Getting on the animal abuse bandwagon (8/28) Aug 30, 2007
Go buy a bunch of dogs, cats, sheep, goats, opossums, horses and whatever; just make sure you keep the receipt so you can prove you own the animals. Next, using paint that shows up well on fur and is tough enough keep its sheen during the worst conditions (say, spray paint for example) cover the animals with your client's logo (you might have to keep it short on the possums). (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Truman student trapping, tracking opossums for research project ... Truman student trapping, tracking opossums for research project ... High winds snap utility poles in Sullivan County ... Elks mobile dental unit coming to Adair County ... ';var marqueewidth="350px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#FFFFFF";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}}Friday, August 24, 2007 Jeff Wright, a graduate student at Truman State University, prepares to release an opossum equipped with a collar and radio transmitter. Using a large hand-held antenna, Wright tracks the opossums as part of his masters thesis project. Wright is tracking the animals to determine their range and homing ability. (Photo Submitted) Truman student trapping, tracking opossums for research project Aug 24, 2007
Truman student trapping, tracking opossums for research project ... Using a large hand-held antenna, Wright tracks the opossums as part of his masters thesis project ... The Truman State University graduate student is trapping and tracking opossums. (Kirksville Daily Express, MO)
LAMB COLUMN: Mother Nature will make or break waterfowl season Aug 23, 2007
The carcasses attract crows, gulls, fox, raccoon and opossums. These predators not only feed on duck eggs, but also nesting hen mallards. (Winona Daily News, MN)
On Rabies NHD Director Issues Warning Aug 8, 2007
The specimens consisted of 12 bats, three raccoons, three opossums and one cat. As of last week, three specimens, a raccoon and two bats, tested positive for rabies. (Voices, CT)
From the Saxon Skunkworks: How to remove Pepe Le Pew Jul 28, 2007
During the winter, I inadvertently capture them in the live traps I ve set in the barn to remove raccoons and opossums. During the summer, they unabashedly invade the cat s outdoor food dishes and are a general nuisance. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
Noble Library concludes existence by giving check for work at park Jul 26, 2007
Pflaum said he also heard there were opossums, rats, cats and other animals on the property. He said he stopped at the property to take a look at it, and there was a no-trespassing sign. (Olney Daily Mail, IL)
Pit bulls OK; RMU pact criticized Jul 18, 2007
The list also includes non-domesticated animals such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, coyotes, crocodylia, piranha fish over four inches, apes, monkeys and related forms. Birds of prey, bears, sloths, and armadillos also are included. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE Jul 16, 2007
Lizards, iguanas, groundhogs, skunks, opossums Mr. Lovallo has dealt with all of them. And, despite all the dog bites, cat scratches and even personal attacks he was recently pummeled by an angry group who refused to allow him to remove a stray dog from their neighborhood his love for his job hasn t dimmed. (Scranton Times, PA)
Tricky transaction - Skunks find home in ATM Jul 14, 2007
Also, the portable storage containers that people have provide for a place for opossums and even skunks to live. Then when cat food is put outside, that provides a free meal. (Derby Daily Reporter, KS)
Students bone up on their skull skills Jul 8, 2007
A raccoon and opossum have identical skulls, except the raccoon has a bigger brain cavity -- the chief reason opossums wind up as roadkill far more often, Thompson said. Thompson brought some of the skulls he has collected over the years. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Some not-so-native reptiles found in Pennypack Creek Jul 4, 2007
"Raccoons, opossums, muskrats and skunks that come down to drink in the creek could also fall victim to the alligators, which are not picky eaters." That's what authorities are afraid of. Small pets and children could easily fall victim to an alligator bite. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Coyote Kill Overtakes Bears, Bobcats, Gray Foxes for Pennsylvania Hunters Jul 3, 2007
The number of deer, raccoons, muskrats, red foxes and opossums hunted or trapped is higher. Hunting helps wildlife management by restraining the number of coyotes so they don't have to be trapped or poisoned, Price said. (Bloomberg -- US)
Varmint too cute to vanquish Jul 2, 2007
Two years ago, Mr. Miele led the charge to rid his North Scranton neighborhood of skunks, opossums, woodchucks and other pests ... We had skunks, opossums and other things, Mr. Miele said. (Scranton Times, PA)
Butterfly fever Jun 29, 2007
In his presentation, Holloway told children about opossums. He identified the nocturnal animal as the only marsupial found in North America, and described how the saying "playing possum" came about because opossums will lie still, pretending to be dead for hours if frightened. (Lake Houston Sun, TX)
Right on track Jun 28, 2007
Surrounding her were 13 baby opossums - most of them dead or dying. Only one ended up surviving. (King County Journal Newspapers, WA)
Coyotes under control; now there's a new menace in the barnyard Jun 28, 2007
During the winter I regularly haul raccoons and opossums, and once in awhile a groundhog, out of the barn ... I ll go after coyotes any day, and trap raccoons and opossums by the truckload, but I ll be darned if I m going anywhere near one of those striped little critters. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
More of this story Jun 27, 2007
In the past year his calls have included a hawk in a swimming pool, a variety of sick and injured opossums and coyotes, swans trying to cross roads and an owl stuck in a soccer net. It s getting to the point where it s almost as much for wildlife as it is for cats and dogs, Currie said of his work. (Brockton Enterprise, MA)
Mountain lion seen in Sonoma Jun 19, 2007
Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey. Comments are limited to 200 words or less. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
ON THE FENCE: Betty wasn't playing opossum this time Jun 14, 2007
People, the opossums may be revolting. They are going the way of the birds in that Alfred Hitchcock movie (what was it called. (Leesville Daily Leader, LA)
Walker to cremate pets, other animals Jun 11, 2007
But pets may not be the only creatures cremated at the funeral home's new pet crematory, squirrels, raccoons and opossums could soon join the list. Currently city ordinance only permits domesticated animals, under 250 pounds to be cremated within Freeport city limits. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Guest Column: What can you do to help wild baby animals? Jun 9, 2007
People try bringing to the nature center everything from baby birds to rescued baby opossums removed from road kill. The answer is the same for most of these animals: Only their mother can take care of them properly. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Flager Beach family has bobcat tales to spare Jun 3, 2007
CEO Carole Baskin of the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa said bobcats tend to avoid pets like domestic cats because they put up a fight and instead opt for rats, opossums and wild turkeys without getting close to people. She added that the territorial cats are important to the eco-system since they provide rodent control. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Flying past animal carcasses at 70 mph Jun 2, 2007
Shouldn t I be stopping and saying some prayers or somehow trying to create holiness with all the dead deer and opossums and squirrels and birds. Why was I just driving by. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Our Neighbor: Colton Jones May 26, 2007
"Finally, Colton had his pet opossum. He has nursed the baby he calls Mr. Bojangles back to health on a diet of dry dog food and bananas. He knows they won't be together forever, and he must return him to the wild eventually."It will be hard," he said. "I like opossums because they are unusual. Most people look over them. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
Martin woman restores critters' wild side May 21, 2007
She smiled to see baby opossums showing their teeth and hissing when she lifted the lid of their hiding box. "Good. That's what I want them to do," she said. (The Palm Beach Post)
Temple Christian gets lesson in wildlife rehab May 19, 2007
The Sypiens brought baby opossums and two more screech owls, which had fallen from their nest in Canaveral Groves about the same time Kuzma found the first owl ... Some, such as the owls and opossums, need time to mature and learn to care for themselves. (Florida Today)
First Decoded Marsupial Genome Reveals "Junk DNA" Surprise May 11, 2007
In particular, the study highlights the genetic differences between marsupials such as opossums and and placental mammals like humans, mice, and dogs ... And opossums are often used as models in a wide variety of research on human health and disease, including the malignant melanoma form of skin cancer. (National Geographic)
Oppossums 'key to saving early babies' May 11, 2007
THE surprise discovery of genetic similarities in the immune systems of humans and opossums could help with the care of premature babies, researchers said ... Dr Belov said the discov 00004000 ery meant opossums would make good models for the study of human disease ... Opossums are born without an immune system, which develops as they hang off their mother's teats. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Opossum Genome Shows 'Junk' DNA Source Of Genetic Innovation May 11, 2007
While the common ancestor of humans and opossums split 180 million years ago, the common ancestor of humans and mice split just 80 million years ago ... Opossums are important models for human disease studies because they're the only animal other than humans who develop melanoma - skin cancer - after exposure to ultraviolet radiation ... They are also used in nervous system research because baby opossums can regenerate their spinal cord tissue after it is cut and regain the ability to move their... (Science Daily)
Airport targeting hundreds of trees May 11, 2007
The plan for destroying more trees also calls for setting two dozen traps to catch prey, such as raccoons or opossums, that attract the birds. That would be about twice the number of traps previously in place. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
Researchers publish first marsupial genome sequence May 10, 2007
It sheds light on the genetic differences between placental mammals, such as humans, mice and dogs, and marsupial mammals, such as opossums and kangaroos. "Marsupials are the closest living relatives of placental mammals. Because of this relationship, the opossum genome offers a unique lens though which to view the evolution of our own genome," said Kirstin Lindblad-Toh, Ph. (EurekAlert!)
Opossum's secrets make history May 10, 2007
Opossums and humans had a common ancestor around 180 million years ago, according to the paper, led by Kerstin Lindblad-Toh of the Broad Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The M. domestica genome appears to have around 18 000 to 20 000 protein-coding genes, a tally that at its top range puts the 15-centimetre furry metatherian in the same ballpark as humans. (iAfrica.com)
Lessons from the opossum May 10, 2007
Opossums are marsupials, animals including kangaroos and koalas that carry their young in pouches in their skin ... Additionally, baby opossums have shown the ability to regenerate a damaged spinal cord and researchers want to search the animal's DNA to see if similar processes exist in humans, said Tarjei Mikkelson, the paper's author. (Newsday -- Health)
Sloths suitable; opossums opposed May 9, 2007
Helena Independent Record. Helena Independent Record. (Helena Independent Record)
