They have impressive tails

Opossums use their prehensile tails as a fifth appendage or as a hand, which is one of the most interesting facts about opossums. They have long, hairless tails that resemble rat tails and are almost as long as the opossums themselves. They become more prone to hypothermia and possibly frostbite because of this. They can grab the sides of trees to add additional stability while climbing or transport grass and leaves to use as construction materials for nests. In cartoons, baby possums are frequently shown hanging upside-down from branches using their tails. They can only be supported on their tails for a brief period of time.

Many opossums have injured ears and tails as a result of enduring hard winters. Their tails frequently look stumpy or as though something has bitten them off, although these are symptoms of frostbite.

Opossums don't hibernate; they only retreat into dens for a few days to avoid the cold. They must periodically eat. In the winter, they may abandon their usual nocturnal feeding schedule and do so during the day to benefit from the milder weather. During cold spells, this daytime foraging is of little use. Many opossums with short tails after prolonged cold spells.