Gray four-eyed opossum

Scientific name: Philander opossum

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Small marsupial with grayish fur above and whitish-gray underparts; distinctive pale eye-rings give the 'four-eyed' appearance. Head-body length appears compact relative to tail; males slightly larger and heavier than females.

Size and weight

Body length 25–37 cm; tail 24–34 cm; weight 0.3–0.7 kg for females, 0.4–0.8 kg for males.

Habitat

Inhabits lowland forests, secondary growth, and semi-open areas from sea level to approximately 2,500 m elevation. Prefers humid tropical and subtropical regions with dense vegetation and proximity to water sources.

Distribution

Range extends from southern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru). Prefers humid lowland and montane forest habitats.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding primarily on invertebrates (insects, arthropods), small vertebrates, and fruit; diet shifts seasonally toward fruit availability.

Behaviour

Nocturnal and arboreal; solitary or in pairs; highly agile climber with prehensile tail used for branch navigation. Active foragers in low to mid-canopy; den in tree cavities, fallen logs, or ground burrows.

Hunting tips

Look for tracks (small hand-like prints) near fallen logs and base of fruiting trees at dawn and dusk. Follow droppings (small, dark pellets) along forest floor and branch routes to establish feeding corridors. Approach quietly upwind through understory; glass canopy edges where fruit trees border open ground. Best success near dawn when animals return to daytime refuges in low branches and cavities.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

El Salvador

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.