Virginia opossums are North America’s only native marsupial and have gradually expanded their range into New England over the past several decades. These adaptable, mostly nocturnal mammals thrive in forests, farms, and suburban areas, using hollow trees, brush piles, and human structures for shelter. Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on insects, small animals, fruits, carrion, and other available foods, while also providing ecological benefits by consuming large numbers of pests such as insects and ticks.