Cannibalism among juvenile opossums can occur due to overcrowding or mixing litters once they reach about what weight?

• A. 100 grams
• B. 150 grams
• C. 300 grams
• D. 200 grams

Answer: (D)

Cannibalism among growing opossums is driven by social stress from crowding and mixing litters. When juveniles reach about 200 grams, they’re large enough to interact more actively, compete more intensely for space and resources, and occasionally injure or kill a sibling. That weight marks a practical point where the risk rises, which is why this size is given as the threshold. Before reaching ~200 g, youngsters are smaller and less capable of overpowering others, so cannibalism is less likely; after this size, increased mobility and competition make it more common. In rehab, this means keeping litters separate or providing ample space and multiple hiding options as they approach this weight, to help prevent losses.