Juvenile opossums can engage in cannibalism.

• A. False
• B. Only in captivity
• C. True
• D. Never happens

Answer: (C)

Cannibalism among juvenile opossums can occur when conditions are stressful or resources are scarce. In crowded dens or enclosures, with limited food or nesting space, a young opossum may prey on a weaker nestmate or consume a dead or injured sibling to gain energy and reduce competition for the remaining litter. This behavior isn’t limited to captivity; it can happen in the wild under pressure from crowding or poor nutrition as well.

For rehabilitation, this means closely managing housing and resources for juveniles: keep groups small, provide ample food and hiding spaces, and separate or remove any dead or injured individuals to minimize risk. Observing for aggression and adjusting the enclosure setup helps prevent such cannibalistic events.