Opossums have an excellent memory

Opossums have exceptional intelligence in a number of areas, despite the misconception that they are not the sharpest tools in the drawer. Opossums have a keen sense of smell, which helps them remember things very well. Opossums are excellent at locating food, and if they discover a food source that is worth returning to, they can remember exactly where it is so they may return for a second round.

Researchers discovered that during behavioral tests on opossums, opossums remembered the location of food better than dogs, cats, rats, turtles, pigs, rabbits, goats, and chickens. They can also use their superior memory to navigate a maze more quickly than rats, who are essentially the maze-running mascots. A year after smelling harmful compounds, they may still remember their smell.