Shorty, the Cutest Opossum in the World

This is Shorty, my Brazilian opossum.
After exhausting his energy from an eventful evening of exploring the world, Shorty will curl up and fall asleep on my lap or in my hands. He is the sweetest little guy ever.
Some info about his species:
The Brazilian opossum (Monodelphis domestica), also called a Rainforest opossum, Grey short-tailed opossum, or Brazilian short-tailed opossum amongst many other names, is a small, grey/brown solitary marsupial native to eastern and central Brazil, eastern Bolivia, northern Paraguay, and northern Argentina. While they are marsupials, they are one of a small handful of opossum species that does not have a pouch; thus the young are fully visible when they cling to their mother's teats during gestation. Brazilian opossums are proficient hunters, feeding primarily upon invertebrates, rodents, reptiles, birds, eggs, and fruit. Their scientific name "domestica" derives from their proclivity for inhabiting human dwellings to hunt insects and rodents. They have fully prehensile tails from which they can hang or carry items with, opposable thumbs on their hind feet, fifty sharp teeth, soft fur coats similar in texture to a chinchilla's, and they are crepuscular by nature. The species is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List and is abundant in the wild.
A note to viewers: To any who may be thinking, "I want one!" after watching Shorty's video, please note that Brazilian opossums can be very difficult to bond with on this level. While they make fantastic pets, they are a highly independent and solitary species and they generally do not actively seek out your affection in the same way a dog, a cat, or some rodents do. As well, every opossum is an individual. Some do not like being handled at all, some are skittish, some enjoy interacting with you but do not like being petted, etc. Even those that are "cuddly" will often only behave that way if they are concealed in a pouch or pocket, and even then they may not tolerate petting while they are trying to sleep. It takes a very strong bond, trust, and an exceptionally laid-back individual for an opossum to behave as Shorty does in this video. I have invested an extensive amount of time into socialising and bonding with Shorty and it has paid off, but he also happens to have an extremely docile temperament. So please, do not go out and buy one of these opossums because you want one like Shorty. You may be very disappointed. When acquiring a new animal, you should always consider the fact that you may get the polar opposite of what that animal's depiction in videos is. And ask yourself, would you still want to live with and care for this animal for its entire life if it behaves nothing like how you had expected or hoped? Please meticulously research any animal before considering bringing one home.
I hope you enjoy my little Shortster.
- NanaBorderCollie :)
Music by Josh Woodward:
www.JoshWoodward.com/
Our official website: www.useyourclicker.com/
Our official blog: nanabordercollie.blogspot.com/
Our photos on flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/nanabord...
Our facebook: / 617175718326361

[@belindaboyles4816]

Shorty is truly adorable and I wish I could hold him and give him a kiss, he's so docile and looks so comfortable in your hands. Huge trust level between you, and I fully understand how rare this is. He's going to be a beautiful boy when all grown and I hope you get to integrate him into more of your awesome videos! Love him!

[@ApolloWolfDog101]

OMG !!!!! He's soo precious !!! Thank you so much for sharing your little Shorty :D

[@oOSt3ph4nyOooOCookie]

He is so quiet and adorable ! I wish my parents would let me to have a pet !

[@yamieko7017]

Omg, I love that Opossum!!

[@stephaniehorneLovesJESUS]

he's so cute, and he is loving all that TLC. very sweet!

[@WeeklyWhiskers]

What a lovely little guy and so contented in your hands.

[@angelinamikhaylenko2967]

Especially the part when ever he yawned so cute :D

[@Thesupercollies]

Loved meeting this adorable little guy! Cant say the same for Hero... hahah

[@bunnylover2833]

Shorty is the cutest thing I have really ever seen I mean really it is just so cute I can hardly stand the cuteness he or she is fluffy cute and adorable you can just not stand the cuteness.

[@frazzsonic123]

Oh my goodness you must have spent so much time getting to this stage, he is so sweet, when he yawned his mouth is so adorable, like miniature ferret teeth! So many cute poses.

[@whalesong999]

Thanks for the wonderfully thoughtful text accompanying the video. Shorty is adorable and his fur looks exquisite.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

He is such a little guy, and so sweet :) My short tailed opossum Severus liked to bite, the reason I called him Severus, he kept trying to sever my fingers lol :D But then he had not been socialized as a baby, he certainly was never sweet like this one. But despite the biting I became very fond of him and since he saw me as a meal worm dispenser he learned to bond somewhat with me as well. He was an intelligent, interesting little animal and I really enjoyed him.

[@andrewcook7171]

"The day everyone's hearts melted" I'm not even sure if that's a quote but oh well, that's so cute.

[@michellenguyen4108]

Oh my gosh, Shorty is so adorable!

[@WeeklyWhiskers]

Oh my goodness! Shorty is so lovely!

[@Sienisota]

He is very cute and beautiful. Thank you very much for the information in the description. The whole species was new to me and i was so happy to know that it is not endangered. Also, thank you so much for making it clear that this is an individual behaviour, and that buying opossum does not mean you get a cuddly fellow like him, but more likely something quite opposite. Too often people see something like this and there is no warning that the animal is behaving unusually to it's species and then people buy one, soon realise it is not at all what they were led to belive, and get rid of it or treat it badly because it is not what they wanted. People, always find as much info about the pet you want before you get one. And DO NOT listen only the people who are providing you with the animal. Ask from vets you know are not part of the selling industry and check the source of your information. Even then, wait at least a half a year after finding everything about the animal you want. Do you still want it after half year of thinking and are you ready to take care of it, until it dies of old age, even if proves to be a complete asshol* of an individual? Even if your life situation changes dramatically? If answer is Yes, then go for it. ....sorry i got sidetracked. As always, a wonderful video, thank you for sharing it.

[@NanaBorderCollie]

I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. I was somewhat hesitant about publishing this video for the reason you mentioned, but elected to share it with a disclaimer in the video description. Shorty is indeed an anomaly. When researching this species years ago, I was told by every experienced keeper I conversed with that these opossums are not cuddly, they are not affectionate, they are not loyal, and (I quote) they "will not be your best friend". I was told that they prefer to keep to themselves and while they are usually tolerant of being showered with attention, most do not actually enjoy it like Shorty does. I got Shorty expecting him to be this way, but I ended up with the sweetest lovebug who follows me at my heels when I take him outdoors and snuggles on my lap for cuddles in the evenings. I do not want people believing that these opossums are normally like this, because they are not. Shorty's behaviour is extremely atypical for his species. If a person would not be satisfied having an opossum that is not affectionate, does not like to be touched, bites occasionally, and prefers to stay in his enclosure, then I do not believe they should get one at all... because there is a very strong chance that their opossum WILL behave that way, and these animals are not disposable.

[@jessicalaroche30]

Aww! Such a gorgeous little sweetheart!

[@chihuahuabulldog]

Oh how very sweet. I hope to see more videos of Shorty, hopefully while up and exploring. Thank you for sharing.

[@jennifernitta8811]

I seriously love how you have so many animals. :)

[@mhays2122]

Can't wait to see the things you teach him. Very cute little guy.

[@madampoulet2268]

Absolutely adorable! I'd say take good care of him but I know you will!

[@gleeful-girl2377]

That's such a cutie! BTW I really love your other pets too ;)

[@annasummers5348]

I love your fur kids! Possums are such wonderful lives.

[@paul.blair90]

You are truly a inspiration to me I love all your pets ive watched your videos for so long there just all so cute im glad to see your new pet shorty is so cute Btw keep up the awesome videos!

[@zedgirl7817]

I'm from UK. We don't have shortys! What an amazing story.. Cuteness :)

[@Britt_NS]

This little guy is insanely cute! Looking forward to seeing more vids of him in the future. :)

[@NanaBorderCollie]

@vintage queen - I am unable to reply to your comment as you have the "replies" disabled on your account. :(

[@cryticalgaming1331]

Hey Nana, I watch and love your vids. I was wondering where you live.

[@cryticalgaming1331]

Cause in australia these things are illegal im pretty sure.

[@NanaBorderCollie]

Crytical Gaming I live in Canada. Unless specific municipalities have restrictions on exotic animal ownership, any animal that is not native wildlife is legal to own here.

[@careytorgesen5870]

HES THE (seconD) CUTEST THING IN THE TOTAL CHANNEL!!!

[@ExoticCritter]

I've been REALLY wanting one of these as a pet lately (talked to several breeders and handled a couple) and then one of my favorite KZbinrs just happens to get one, lol. Haven't watched the video yet, but I'm so excited!

[@rodentelay44]

He is adorable. Allmost looks like a wild rattie. Which I have had as pets. wow!!!!!!!

[@NanaBorderCollie]

I have two wild Norway rats as pets as well. They are awesome. :) I have footage of them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzTYqpsnsh8kKM

[@corbinfathandme]

When I read that the species is predatory I was way more interested. So cool!

[@SMattx76]

OMG, that possum is cute!

[@izzyqian6767]

OMG Shorty is so cute!!!!

[@couchproceeds5450]

Oh my god cuteness overload!

[@pastapartyify]

What a sweet little guy! Very happy baby

[@ICMitu]

Awww! So sweet!

[@NeraBuffy]

My eek turned into an aww faster than ever in my life ;)

[@NanaBorderCollie]

Eoj Duorts Shorty is full grown. I got him as a tiny joey last summer and he is currently nine months old. This is a small species of opossum that does not get larger than this.

[@NobblyBiscuit]

Typically I am very against videos like these showing unconventional or wild animals as pets, as it promotes impulsive people to go out and buy something "cute" when they don't realize how hard it is to take care of one. I'm glad you put the lengthy disclaimer. Hopefully this will stop people from going out and getting one. That being said, after watching your videos, I'm confident thinking that if anyone is able to properly care for such an animal it would be you. :) Here's hoping you two have a loving, fulfilling life together.

[@NanaBorderCollie]

Thank you. :) I agree with your sentiment, but I also believe that this can be applied to our traditional, domesticated species as well. I, personally, have equal concern for them since many people seem to believe that because they are domesticated, prolific, and easy to acquire, they are disposable and replaceable and they can simply "wing it" with their care. I find an abundance of such people commenting on my rat trick videos for example, and I spend much of my free-time educating these individuals on rats and their complex needs. I agree wholeheartedly with your concern, but I don't believe it is exclusively applicable to wild animals. ALL animals, regardless of whether or not they are domesticated or traditional, require superlative care and should never be purchased on a whim.

[@NobblyBiscuit]

NanaBorderCollie I couldn't agree more. I work in the pet industry and see both the good and bad very often.

[@tragic9446]

This is so adorable

[@ellaholm]

Wow so CUTE!!

[@currandero]

This just made my day :)

[@Bclarkclark]

Awe so cute!!!

[@angelinahillers1703]

So cute!

[@lizziedaunicorn649]

Soooo cute!!!!

[@backupshit8939]

Cute! Nice video :)

[@Meshlena]

SO! CUTE!!!!!

[@georgiagreene1638]

Very cute!

[@makaylad8987]

What a cutie!

[@danielaannederek]

Aww! Such a cute little baby!

[@schumache101]

(OMG First like and comment) Shorty is so adorable! I have never seen an Opossum before and he is just so cute!

[@juliagrace2636]

so cute :3

[@aregnav]

Haha so cute!

[@ElsaCatInc]

AWWW! SO CUTE!!!!!!!!

[@lpsace]

AWW what a cutie! He (she?) really seems to like you

[@Angeldemonhybrid172]

Cute this cheered me up

[@dominikaniky9291]

So cute!

[@sophina7550]

You have so many animals!

[@MsPipStick]

Cool! i love STOs!!

[@dickgrayson2545]

Thx for sharing the video you inspire me so much

[@dmand2353]

sooo cute!!

[@happyhamsters7855]

Awwww cute!

[@bellisima.5804]

Your animals are fantastic! :O

[@Ronny68100]

So cute...

[@NivesBrandenburger]

OHHHHH VOLL SÜß!!!!!!!

[@yeakitkat]

OMG!!!! SO ADORABLE! x3

[@yykellie]

SOO CUTE!!!

[@just_ard784]

Cute!!!

[@coolcatwow9027]

Cute and sweet :33

[@christinele4080]

Awww so CUTE

[@valentinbucurstan5883]

Oooh so cute

[@karianne908]

AAAAAAAWWWWWWWW, SOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!

[@BUNNY-yk3qq]

Very cute

[@thegamerguyshd6596]

aaaw c,: shorty's soooo CUTE! c:

[@leannal6713]

O my god hes sooooooo adorable

[@hannahsmith5424]

Omg. CUTE!!!!!!!

[@juttahanski9744]

Awwwww so cute😍

[@ocaopreto]

Cool! Never met anyone who keeps a opposum as a pet here in Brazil :) I have many wild ones in my garden though :)

[@leafygreen6122]

Awwww !!!

[@tantrisha7805]

SO CUTE

[@SoyxDBeLuDx]

Is so cute ♥

[@Alpha.Phenix]

...sory the there is just too much cuteness for me...so cute :)

[@robertbatali7743]

So cute

[@mariachavez-sj1up]

so cute! and i mean it .

[@leannej7770]

Awww!!!

[@tanyaohlson]

Soo cute 😍❤

[@CorrinDestiny]

It's so adorable XD, hope you train it some good tricks!!!

[@elise01332]

shorty is so cute he is a cutie

[@klaudianawrot9298]

lovely :)

[@xxwolfloverxx7459]

You're amazing with animals

[@jojovanbenthem5097]

awww he's so cute opossums are marsupials i have two glider they are also marsupials and look very similar

[@PeanutGuineaPig]

Shorty is absolutely adorable! Animals falling asleep in the palm of a hand is the cutest thing. We always look forward to any new videos of yours; it's wonderful how well bonded you are with your furry friends. :) Speaking of, we are considering adopting another guinea pig since Buttercup's passing. It hasn't been fully decided as of yet (since taking home a new animal is lots of work and responsibility), but we will let you know once we reach a decision. Are you planning on training Shorty like you have with your other animals?

[@mihajlopopovic3960]

cute!!!!!!

[@pialillstran7498]

Omg it is solo cute

[@thepizzakitty1083]

so cute

[@karolmindak3816]

Wow you really love animals

[@Jacky-tq5qj]

Can you make a cage tour? This would be awesome :D

[@alvaenegren7013]

So cute ! 🐁 ❤ Im watching you from Sweden! 💛 💙 🐁🐶🐱

[@KIMCrocblanc14]

Trop cute

[@adventuresofaidan3541]

Ow that is cute

[@neisovo8177]

sweet!