Ecology of the Opossum on a Natural Area in Northeastern Kansas

"Ecology of the Opossum on a Natural Area in Northeastern Kansas" by Henry S. Fitch explores in intricate detail the role of the opossum in its environment. From 1949 to 1952, researchers carefully studied opossums, observing their habits, movements, diets, and the rising and falling numbers of their populations at the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation. They used live traps to gather information about these nocturnal animals, finding they generally lived alone within areas of about 50 acres, eating mostly fruits and crustaceans. The detailed work also highlights information on their breeding, death rates, and the difficulties faced by young opossums growing up, ultimately shedding light on the opossum's place in an evolving, predator-free setting.