Are There Opossums in Tennessee?
Yes, opossums are common and widespread throughout Tennessee. These marsupials thrive in forests, mountains, and suburban areas across all regions of the state. From the Mississippi River bottoms to the Great Smoky Mountains, opossums have successfully established populations. Year-round residents active during evening hours, opossums are regular visitors to Tennessee neighborhoods.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Virginia Opossum · Public domain CC0
Virginia Opossum · Public domain CC0
Eastern Virginia Opossum · Millie Basden CC BY
- 997
- GBIF records
Yes, opossums are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
Yes, opossums are common and widespread throughout Tennessee. These marsupials thrive in forests, mountains, and suburban areas across all regions of the state. From the Mississippi River bottoms to the Great Smoky Mountains, opossums have successfully established populations. Year-round residents active during evening hours, opossums are regular visitors to Tennessee neighborhoods.
Where Opossums Are Found in Tennessee
Opossums are found throughout Tennessee in nearly every habitat type across the state. In West Tennessee, they inhabit the bottomland forests and swamps near the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The Tennessee River valley supports abundant opossum populations from the Kentucky border southward. Central Tennessee's deciduous forests in the Cumberland Plateau region host healthy populations. The Nashville area and other urban centers have well-established opossum areas in yards and parks. East Tennessee opossums inhabit the foothills and mountain valleys of the Appalachian region, including areas near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cherokee National Forest provides suitable habitat across eastern mountain valleys. Opossums thrive equally in wild forests and suburban residential areas. They adapt well to mixed forest and open land. Visitour Tennessee wildlife guidefor more information about local animal populations.
Seasonal Activity in Tennessee
Opossums are active year-round in Tennessee because the state's relatively mild climate allows continuous activity even during winter months. They are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active from dusk through dawn. Spring brings increased activity as breeding season begins and males search for mates. Summer and early fall offer peak activity periods when opossums are seen most frequently foraging. During winter, opossums reduce their activity during the coldest nights but emerge regularly during milder evenings. They do not hibernate but enter a torpid state on extremely cold nights. Tennessee's mild winters compared to northern states allow opossums to forage throughout the winter. January thaws and February warm spells see increased opossum movement. Young opossums disperse in late summer and early fall, expanding the population. Breeding females give birth in spring and carry young for about two months. This extended active season makes Tennessee ideal opossum habitat. CheckTennessee's wildlife pagefor seasonal patterns of other local animals.
How to Identify an Opossum
Opossums are distinctive and unmistakable once you observe the key field marks. They are roughly cat-sized, weighing four to fourteen pounds with a stocky body. The most recognizable feature is their white pointed face with a pinkish nose. Their ears are rounded and grayish, quite different from other Tennessee mammals. Body fur is grayish-brown on the back and lighter underneath. They have a long, thin, rat-like tail completely lacking fur. Both males and females have similar coloration. Short legs and a hunched posture give them a distinctive profile. Their slow, shuffling gait is characteristic. When threatened, opossums bare their teeth and hiss effectively. Unlike other marsupials, they do not have a visible pouch from the outside. Their small rounded ears and pointed snout distinguish them from raccoons and other similar-sized animals. Opossums are adept climbers and often seen hanging from branches. Reviewour detailed opossum guidefor more identification tips.
Where Opossum Sightings Concentrate in Tennessee
Opossum sightings concentrate in areas where natural habitat meets human development. Suburban residential neighborhoods with mixed yards, gardens, and tree cover attract them regularly. Backyard encounters occur near compost piles, garbage cans, and garden beds. Parks in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities host regular opossum activity. Wooded areas adjacent to developed zones provide ideal habitat. The Tennessee River valley from its northern section to its southern reaches supports concentrations of opossums. Riparian forests along the Mississippi River, Cumberland River, and other major waterways attract them. Agricultural areas and farms see regular opossum activity near barns and outbuildings. Urban areas with alleys, storm drains, and basements provide shelter. Suburban yards offer ideal habitat with food sources, protective vegetation, and shelter. You may encounter an opossum in your own yard if you live near wooded areas or have shelter available. Look for them inTennessee wildlife habitatsfor opportunities to observe them safely.
Opossum Behavior and Ecological Role
Opossums are primarily nocturnal scavengers that consume almost anything available. They eat insects, earthworms, snails, small rodents, and carrion. This scavenging habit makes them valuable for removing dead animals and reducing disease spread. They also consume vegetation, nuts, berries, seeds, and garbage. Opossums are largely immune to rabies due to their lower body temperature. They are generally solitary animals with large individual home ranges. When threatened, they employ their famous defense of playing dead, entering a catatonic state called thanatosis. They produce a foul-smelling liquid when stressed as an additional deterrent. Opossums are excellent climbers and rest in trees during the day. They are non-aggressive toward humans and prefer avoiding conflict. They create dens in tree cavities, abandoned burrows, brush piles, or structures. Females rear young in their pouch for approximately two months before independence. Their ecological role includes controlling rodent populations and removing carrion, making them beneficial wildlife.
Living Safely With Opossums in Tennessee
Opossums are beneficial animals that cause minimal conflict with humans or pets. They are not aggressive and rarely bite unless protecting young. To coexist safely, secure garbage cans with locking lids and bring them inside after collection. Remove pet food from outside overnight and keep yards clean of fallen fruit and seeds. Trim tree branches away from roofs to prevent roof access. Seal gaps in sheds, crawl spaces, and attics with wire mesh or hardware cloth at least one quarter-inch thick. Do not attempt to poison or trap opossums yourself as this is unnecessary. In Tennessee, opossums are protected by state law. If an opossum enters your home, open doors and windows to allow it to leave naturally. Most conflicts resolve quickly when given an exit opportunity. Contact a licensed wildlife removal service only if the opossum cannot leave independently. These marsupials are protected and provide beneficial pest control services. Learn more aboutcoexistence with wildlife.
Species Confused With Opossums
Several Tennessee animals might be mistaken for opossums at first glance. Raccoons are similar in size but have a distinctive black mask and ringed tail. Raccoons are notably more aggressive when threatened. Woodchucks are stockier, lack the long tail, and are primarily daytime animals. Rats and mice are much smaller with darker coloring. Young raccoons might superficially resemble young opossums, but raccoon tails are distinctly banded. Nutrias are larger, more aquatic, and have orange teeth. Muskrats are smaller and remain aquatic most of the time. Skunks are stockier with bold white stripes. The combination of a white pointed face, thin hairless tail, and grayish-brown coloring makes opossums distinctive. Their slow shuffle and clumsy movements set them apart. Opossums hang from branches using their tail for balance, a habit few Tennessee mammals share. Clear observation reveals why opossums are unmistakable once you see one properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that opossums play dead? Yes, when threatened, opossums enter a catatonic state where they appear dead. What does an opossum's tail do? The tail provides balance and helps with climbing but cannot support full body weight. Can opossums get rabies? Opossums are largely immune to rabies due to their lower body temperature. Will an opossum attack my pet? Opossums rarely attack healthy adult pets and usually flee when threatened. Do opossums need to be removed? Most opossums do not require removal if they cause no problems. They actually control rodent populations. Are opossums endangered? No, opossum populations are stable and often increasing in Tennessee. Can I keep an opossum as a pet? No, keeping wild opossums as pets is illegal in Tennessee.
Plan your opossum sighting in Tennessee
997 verified opossum records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see opossum
More wildlife in Tennessee