Didelphis virginiana, the North American or Virginia Opossum, ranges through the United States and Mexico. It is our only native marsupial but is extremely misunderstood. Included in the misunderstanding is how we handle orphaned, injured or ill ones brought in by good Samaritans, rescues/shelters, or by individuals who ended up hand-rearing the opossum that has become a house pet. While laws and regulations may specify what technically the veterinarian is allowed to do (and emergency medical care is in that category), what happens with the opossum that needs prolonged medical care and then can’t go back into the wild? This lecture will look at the basic anatomy, physiology, behavior, diet and care needed in captivity, along with the most common presenting problems. It will also review orphan care and diet which are crucial for the healthy survival of the opossum.