OPOSSUMS! 

Who? What? Where? When? Why? 

Too cold for rabies... 

Able to survive venomous snake bites... 

North America’s only marsupial... 

Hairless prehensile tails... 

50 teeth... 

Who are these Jack’s, Jill’s, and Joey’s of the night? What kind of food do they eat? Where can you find them during the day? Why do they play possum? When do they groom themselves?  

Join Linda Veraldi, Wildlife Rehabber with Wildlife Welfare Inc., to learn more about these misunderstood North American marsupials!  

Linda Veraldi is a devoted wildlife rehabilitator, with a special focus on the often-misunderstood, always-adorable Virginia opossum. Beyond hands-on care, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge—mentoring and training new rehabbers to ensure the next generation of animal lovers continues the mission with compassion and skill. She also educates the public about wildlife, encouraging understanding and empathy, and helping people see that finding an animal in your yard is an honor and thrill, not a nuisance, especially as natural habitats disappear. 

Her home is a quiet sanctuary where tiny orphan joeys or injured adults find warmth, safety, and meticulous care. Her rehab space hums with gentle routines, careful feeding schedules, and a whole lot of love. 

Outside of wildlife work, Linda is a proud mom of two grown children, happily married for 43 years, and shares her life with her beloved foster-fail dog, Ava, who keeps a respectful watch over all animal care. She also tends to her backyard flock of three chickens and one duck, enjoying fresh eggs every morning. During the winter months, when wildlife rehab slows, she lends her nurturing touch to bottle baby puppy rescues, often feeding newborn puppies at all hours of the night. 

When she steps away from the critters, you’ll find Linda on the pickleball court, bringing the same focus, energy, and perseverance she brings to every animal she cares for. For Linda, life is about following your heart, pursuing your passions, and making a meaningful difference wherever you can. 

Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) wildlife rehabilitation organization founded in 1991. We are a passionate group of rehabbers from across the Triangle area, dedicated to caring for non-rabies vector species such as opossums, squirrels, bunnies, mice, voles, and more. You can learn more about us at wildlifewelfare.org. 

We welcome new rehabbers and provide full training, mentorship, and guidance in all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation. If directly caring for animals isn’t something you’re able to do, you can still play a vital role as a transporter. Transporters help move animals safely from point A to point B—whether it’s from a veterinarian to a rehabber, from a finder to a rehabber, or other scenarios. No prior animal care experience is necessary—just your time, a vehicle, and a willingness to help! 

Tuesday January 27th starting at 6 p.m. in the Durham County Main Library located at 300 North Roxboro Street in Durham.  

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage located at 115 North Queen Street which is behind the apartments directly across the street from the library. Parking at the garage is free. Please bring your parking ticket to a service point for validation.    

Registration is appreciated to receive an email reminder, cancellation link, and program updates. Seating is first come first served. Registration does not hold or guarantee a seat.  

Questions? Email mkoslofsky@dconc.gov 

Image credit: Didelphis virginiana by Cody Pope