Camera Trap Captures Opossum Husband Making a Leaf Bed for His Mate

For ten years, Hal Brindley and Cristina Garcia have quietly filmed wildlife in their North Carolina backyard. Their camera traps have caught everything from squirrels to black bears, but opossums rarely made an appearance.

That changed one cool night in November when their lens picked up something they had never seen before. A male opossum was walking proudly across the frame with a bundle of dried leaves wrapped carefully in his tail.

He was not just wandering. He was on a mission.

On two different nights, the same opossum returned carrying more leaves. The second time, he disappeared straight into a woodchuck burrow, clearly preparing something inside.

When the couple checked the footage, they realized he was building a cozy nest. It was the kind of thoughtful effort that would melt any wildlife lover’s heart.

“Getting rare behaviors is our biggest thrill when camera trapping,” Brindley shared. For them, reviewing footage is as exciting as game night in other households.

The story became even sweeter when another opossum appeared. About an hour and a half later, likely his mate, she slipped into the burrow he had just prepared.

By then, the leafy bed was ready. Garcia joked that the female prefers to sleep in, often leaving later and coming home later than her hardworking partner.

Now that they know where the pair lives, the cameras stay pointed toward the burrow. The den itself belongs to a woodchuck, who seems perfectly fine sharing the space.

Woodchucks dig deep burrows that become valuable shelters for other animals. During the day, the woodchuck heads out while the opossums take over the night shift.

The backyard has become a small wildlife community. Over the years, the couple has recorded at least twelve mammal species roaming their property.

Still, the opossums hold a special place in their hearts. There is something about their quiet routines that always brings a smile.

Now they have one big hope. They would love to capture footage of baby opossums riding on their mother’s back.

Opossums breed from January through July, with activity peaking in late winter. The only sure sign of new arrivals would be tiny faces peeking over their mother’s shoulders.

If that moment ever appears on camera, Brindley says it would be the ultimate prize. For these dedicated wildlife watchers, nothing would top that magical sight.