Possum sighting in Hemmingford, Quebec

by Michael Nowack
(Hinchinbrooke, Quebec, Canada)

I am delivering mail this week in Hemmingford (Quebec) and on my route I noticed yesterday, February 8, 2017, a dead animal across the street and on the side of the road.

I couldn't leave the car. Driving by with just a quick glance it looked unusual, very much like an Opossum. I was thinking "Naaa! Not in Quebec, and not in the middle of winter!"

Driving home I kept wondering about it. Today, coming by the same spot, two crows were busy with something. I stopped, grabbed my phone and walked across the street. The crows flew off and there it was -- a Possum.

Poor thing must have been hit by a car or even a snow plow.

I am sorry to say, the pictures are rather 'graphic'.

It was a sad, yet awesome discovery, since I have never seen a real Opossum before.

I am wondering if this may have been somebody's pet that got away or if these animals are starting to settle into Quebec?

PS: I apologize for the picture quality. This phone only had a very basic camera.

PPS: I realize this site is about southern Ontario, but you are the only place I could find that is interested in Canadian Opossums, and because we are Neighbours.

If somebody knows a Quebec contact that is also interested in this discovery, please let me know.