Verdict TRUE

TRUE — Yes, Possums Are Marsupials

Verified on March 9, 2026

Whether it's the North American opossum or the Australian possum, these unique creatures are both members of the marsupial family.

Confidence100%

How strongly independent, cited sources support this verdict.

Claim reviewed

Possums (and opossums) are marsupials, meaning they are mammals that carry and nurture their developing young in a pouch.

Key findings

  • Both the North American opossum and the Australian possum are marsupials, though they belong to different biological orders (Didelphimorphia and Diprotodontia, respectively).
  • The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to the United States and Canada.
  • While the terms are often used interchangeably in North America, 'possum' technically refers to species native to Australia and New Guinea, while 'opossum' refers to those in the Americas.

Sources

Analyzed across 3 independent publishers

Opossum - Wikipedia Wikipedia Are Opossums Marsupials? And Other Common Questions Terminix What Is the Difference Between a Possum and an Opossum? World Atlas

Citations

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