Havarti the Opossum
This year, the SNC rescued Havarti, the white opossum. Due to the state at which he was brought into the SNC, he was unable to be “wilded out.” Meaning, he was too used to domesticated life to adjust back into a state of independence. Havarti now lives in our opossum exhibit in our outdoor exhibit area where guests can come and learn all about the importance of opossums to our Florida environment.
Opossum Importance
Opossums have an essential role or niche in our environment. They are responsible for a natural source of pest control. Any Florida resident with a vested interest in their garden should be delighted to see wild opossums giving their garden a visit. They are helping you protect the plants you have invested in.
That being said, please do not feed wild opossums. It is important to not feed any wild animals. This is because it may become dependent on humans as a food source and lose their fear of them. Wild animals should have a healthy fear of humans to discourage them from walking into traffic, or being reported as a nuisance animal by someone who is not as fond of wildlife coming up to them. It is also important to know that feeding wild animals may bring stray cats into the area which also prey on the babies of these important wild animals.
Opossum Fun Facts
Opossums are the only native marsupial to North America. A marsupial is a mammal that carries its babies in a pouch. The pouch on an opossum may not be as visible as the pouch on, say, a kangaroo. However, it is just as protective. The SNC has received many calls about a mother opossum that was hit by a car with a ton of babies that survived because the pouch absorbed the damage.
Want to meet Havarti?
Havarti is a very shy opossum that likes to hang out in the cubby where his bed is. If you are interested in getting an up close look at our cute opossum, stop by the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital located in Coral Springs, Florida on Coral Ridge Drive and Sample Road. He is usually out and about during feeding time Tuesdays through Sundays from 12:00pm-1:00pm.