Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America's only marsupial. Originally native to the eastern half of the United States, it was intentionally introduced into the West during the Great Depression, probably as a source of food, and now occupies much of the Pacific coast. An opossum will work its jaw until excessive drool forms and it is actually blowing bubbles out of its nose! Heavy drooling causes a predator to think the opossum is sick and consequently unappetizing. Its range has been expanding steadily northwards into Canada. It is an omnivore feeding on anything edible including garbage. Photo Dallas, TX.