This is a relatively common sight where I live during the summer months. The mother opossums carry their young on their backs, just before they head off on their own.
I’ve read a supposed scientific study that says opossums are smarter than dogs.
Are we talking about the same animal?
This is an opossum’s brain. It’s a very primitive brain.
Now, I’m not saying dogs are primates, but they do have a relatively large brain and well-developed brain.
There is absolutely no way that a dog is less intelligent than an opossum. No way.
And I’ve not seen them do anything of intelligence. We trap raccoons and relocate them, but it seems that the raccoons let the opossums get in the trap, while the raccoon laugh at them. Usually, I catch an opossum the first night or two that I have trap out, but by then, the raccoons get too curious.
Of course, the raccoons are often masters are tripping the trap and raiding it.
Anyone who repeats this scientific study that says opossums are smarter than dogs needs to look carefully at the principles of parsimony and Occam’s Razor. Most of the literature says opossums are primitive animals and have primitive brains. One scientific study doesn’t break the paradigm. In fact, it may say more about the design of the scientific study than the actual findings.
But just as there is a “feral cat mafia,” there is also an opossum mafia. And I’m sure I’m going to hear it.
Hmmm, that was interesting. Looks like somethings will always remain mystery.
I myself have been trying to solve the mystery of this legend for a while now. Could not understand much though.
Let me know in case you get to understand the mystery of the Old Hound and the Legend
By the way, good writing style. I’d love to read more on similar topics