A Monument to a Strategic Animal in the World's Opossum Capital (7 Photos + 1 Video)

All sorts of creatures deserve glory and recognition. Even if they seem weak.





Proof of this is the monument to the furry local heroes who helped people survive hard times.



Wausau

Wausau, Florida is a quiet corner of the state with a permanent population of less than 400 people. But on the first weekend of August, thousands of tourists flock to this town to celebrate the day of the local hero - the opossum.





Virginia Opossum

Wausau is home to more opossums than people, making it the "possum capital" of the world. The furry marsupials have been in the region for over a century, and were a vital food source during times of hardship, such as the Great Depression. Their meat was often the only protein available, and Wausau residents have never forgotten that.



Opossum Monument

In fact, "possum" is a colloquial term that many Americans use to refer to the Virginia opossum.



When injured or threatened (by a dog, for example), the Virginia opossum feigns death

The Opossum Festival was first held in 1970. In 1982, a resolution was passed recognizing the first Saturday in August as Opossum Day in the state, which has become an iconic annual holiday. The Opossum Parade, auction, and Opossum King and Queen contest are among the most popular events. Politicians often participate in them and even perform together with their favorite furry pets, trying to charm voters.



With the kids

A permanent tribute to the opossum is a 10-foot monument erected in 1982. It is inscribed with the words: "Erected in gratitude for the role played by the North American opossum, a magnificent marsupial that survived into the days of mastodons and dinosaurs, in providing food and fur for the early settlers and their successors. Their presence here provided nutritious food in normal times and was an important aid to human survival in times of adversity and emergency."