There are a few dozen different types of species of opossum, the most notable is the Common Opossum, the only marsupial found in Canada and the United States. 
 
Opossums usually stay in one area as long as there is food and water are easily available. Some families will group together in already made burrows or even under houses. Opossums do not dig or put much effort into building their own burrows, they favour dark and secure areas. 
 
The term “play possum” comes from the opossums habit to mimic the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal when they feel threatened or harmed, similar to fainting. The animal will “play dead” anywhere from a few minutes up to 4 hours, regaining consciousness begins with slight ear twitching. 
 
We have dealt with opossums as far east as Port Perry and as far north as Parry Sound, this has been expanding likely because of climate change. 
 
Opossums feed on dead animals, insects, rodents, dog and cat food, human food waste, etc. A good way to keep them away from your home is to keep all the above away from your home or in a secured garbage can.