where do opossums live

Opossums live primarily in the Americas, including North, Central, and South America. They are highly adaptable and found in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, swamps, marshes, prairies, and urban and suburban areas. They prefer wooded regions with water sources like streams or ponds but can also thrive near human settlements, often sheltering in hollow trees, logs, woodpiles, rock piles, or even buildings and attics. In North America, especially the United States and Canada, the Virginia opossum is common. It lives in forests, fields, backyards, and city outskirts. In Canada, opossums are mostly found in the southern parts, including southern Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, usually in warmer areas and often near human structures for shelter, especially in colder months. In South and Central America, many other species of opossums inhabit tropical rainforests and dense vegetation where they can climb and find food easily. Overall, opossums are versatile and can make homes wherever food, shelter, and water are accessible, from deep forests to urban neighborhoods.