The opossum is a marsupial mammal that is well-adapted to survive harsh winters in North America despite originating from warmer climates. It has developed behaviors like playing dead to evade predators and grows only a thin layer of fat instead of a winter coat. Opossum mothers give birth to underdeveloped young that crawl into her pouch to nurse and develop further. Though slow-moving, the opossum's prehensile tail and ability to climb trees aids its survival against threats on land.