Water opossum

Description

The yapok is a small opossum,27-32.5 cm long,with a 36–40 cm long tail.The fur is in a marbled grey and black pattern while the muzzle,eyestripe,and crown are all black.A light band runs across the forehead anterior to the ears,which are rounded and naked.There are sensory facial bristles in tufts above each eye as well as whiskers.The animal's tail,furred and black at the base,is yellow or white at its end.The hindfeet of the yapok are webbed,while the forefeet ("hands") are not.The forefeet can be used to feel for and grab prey as the yapok swims,propelled by its tail and webbed back feet.Unlike other didelphids,the water opossum does not have a cloaca.