Why do opossums play dead, and how tiny are their babies? Why does an opossum’s eyes glow at night? Discover God’s design in North America’s only marsupial, the opossum!

Here’s our trail map:

• Why Do Opossums Have Pouches?
• How Small Is an Opossum Baby?
• Why Does an Opossum Play Dead?
• Did Jesus Actually Die On the Cross, and Why?

Eryn's Books:

• The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
• 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

• Try CTCMath for free and enjoy their 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/
• Marvels of Creation 3-book set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-pack
• Explore all of Master Books Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources: https://www.masterbooks.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Opossum Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-opossums-play-dead/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side, and at once blood and water came out.” John 19:34 (NCV)

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 (ESV)

“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NCV)

“Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 (NCV)

“But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger, because we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ’s death.” Romans 5:8-9 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Marsupial: A group of mammals that have very tiny babies which are born early and then crawl into a pouch on the mother’s belly to keep growing. Inside the pouch, the baby drinks milk and stays warm and safe.
• Nocturnal: Creatures that are mostly active at night.
• Tapetum Lucidum: Reflective layer in some eyes that reflects light.
• Marsupium: A pouch on a mother marsupial’s belly where her tiny baby or babies stay safe and warm after being born. Inside the pouch are nipples so the babies can drink milk and keep growing.
• Thanatosis: A safety reaction some animals use when they are in danger. Their bodies go limp and still, sometimes with eyes open, so a predator thinks they’re dead and loses interest.

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Image Credit of baby possum: Garst, Warren, 1922-2016, photographer, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_pygmy_possum_walking_on_person%27s_hand_-_DPLA_-_e2b0a4d441a2c7683320f0740e5a20f7.jpg

Gary Meszaros (Photo Researches, Inc): https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2015/AprilMay/Animals/Opossums