Opossum runs wild in the library

I received the following email because I'm still somehow signed up for the library staff listserv ... I think it's pretty self explanitory, but I have two questions 1, what is an opossum, and how does it get into a library? 2, do they have opossum problems in other states? (i know they talked about them on the Beverly Hillbillies, so does that mean that they are a southern animal? I have no idea!)

March 29, 2005
11:59PM

Animal Problem

A report of an opossum on the seventh floor of DH Hill Library. A Facilities Pest Control Officer arrived and removed the opossum from the building.