PT5 Opossum Traditional Cache

This is one of a series of six Geocaches which was placed along the Long Bark Trail in Oakwoods Metropark nature study area in connection with the "Pull together For Nature 4" event held on National Trails day, June 7. The trail is a 2 mile loop with lots of shade. Additional information about the series may be found HERE.

Please stay on the trail to within about 30 feet from the Geocache and resist taking a "short cut" through the woods.

A BONUS CACHE is available to those that complete the series. Each cache will have a code in the cover such as A = 3 etc. The six code numbers will be used to obtain the coordinates to the Bonus cache by filling in the letters A through F in N 42 06.ABC W 083 20.DEF.

Stop by the Nature Center desk and they can give you a brochure which will help you enjoy the trail. Nature center hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00PM Weekends, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Weekdays. Closed Monday.

The theme for this year's series is "Small Mammels of Southerstern Michigan." The mammel highlighted with this cache is the Opossum.
Opossum - Didelphis, are marsupials and are about the size of a house cat. When threatened or harmed, they will "play possum", mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. Adult opossums do not hang from trees by their tails, though babies may dangle temporarily. Their prehensile tails are not strong enough to support a mature adult's weight, though they often serve as a brace and a fifth limb when climbing. There are also confirmed accounts of the tail being used as a grip to carry bunches of leaves or bedding materials to the nest.