This is used as the initial communication to warn the other animal off. Opossums are also at their noisiest during mating season. Opossums eat dead animals, insects, rodents and birds. What Noises Will a Frightened Opossum Make? The Virginia opossum makes a hissing sound or a low growl when threatened or angry and a clicking sound to attract the attention of its young. Conjugate pairs dissociate into separate spermatozoa before fertilization. Possums have a bushy tail similar to a squirrel's. You can also observe what the possum/opossum is eating. Opossums have a low growl. Young opossums often make a sneezing sound. Teeth: Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal. The Virginia opossum makes a hissing sound or a low growl when threatened or angry and a clicking sound to attract the attention of its young. Virginia opossum tracks generally show five finger-like toes in both the fore and hind prints. Researchers have documented 18 different brushtail possum sounds. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Depending on the circumstances, an opossum can make many different sounds. Hisses and clicks in basements, garages, or under porches could be mating calls or attempts to frighten off predators like coyotes, foxes, or large dogs. Opossum Sounds (Clicking, Sneezing, Growling, & Hissing and What They Mean), Baby Opossum Sometimes Make Chirping Sounds, Opossums Scream and Screech When Angry or Intimidated, Baby Opossums Constantly Make Sneezing Noises, Opossums Can Also Hiss When Facing Dangers, Opossums Make Clicking Noises To Communicate. [26] Metachirus nudicaudatus, found in the upper Amazon basin, consumes fruit seeds, small vertebrate creatures like birds and reptiles and invertebrates like crayfish and snails, but seems to be mainly insectivorous. The female carries and nurses her young in her marsupium until they are about 2 to 3 months old; then they are carried on her back another 1 to 2 months whenever they are away from the den. Ever wondered why opossums play dead? They can even emit a terrible odor to make it seem like they are stinky roadkill! I am a professional nature sound recordist and my work is regularly used in wildlife documentaries, films, musical compositions, museum exhibits, sound art installations. [54] Opossums have been found moving northward in recent years. Historically, hunters in the Caribbean would place a barrel with fresh or rotten fruit to attract opossums that would feed on the fruit or insects. A threatened opossum will usually emit a low, throaty growl as the first warning to a potential predator. The Virginia opossum lives in regions as far north as Canada and as far south as Central America, while other types of opossums only inhabit countries south of the United States. Opossums have 13 nipples, arranged in a circle of 12 with one in the middle.[12][13]. No other mammal in North America has more than 6 upper incisors, the Virginia opossum has 10. [26], Small animals include young rabbits, meadow voles, mice, rats, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and crayfish. Are opossums good to have around your house? Their pelage is typically grayish, but it may range from a reddish, brownish or even blackish hue. . Males may also make sounds like growling, hissing, and shrill screeching as they try to compete with other males for females. [19] "Playing possum" in response to threats from oncoming traffic often results in death. [63] She appeared on a TV talk show to predict the 2011 Oscar winners, similar to the World Cup predictions made previously by Paul the Octopus, also in Germany. What Does a Possum Look Like? The fact is, in Michigan, we have the North American Opossum ( Didelphis virginiana) , also known as the Virginia Opossum. What Is an Opossum? Chances are if an opossum visited your property, they would only be there to find some kind of food scraps. And you should know the difference before trapping them in your attic or backyard. The recording captures the calls of two possums scurrying about while having a noisy territorial disagreement. To hear what that sounds like, check out this short video. Virginia opossums can vary considerably in size, with larger specimens found to the north of the opossum's range and smaller specimens in the tropics. All of my work is copyrighted and cannot be used without purchasing a license. They are one of the world's most variably sized mammals. Outside of these special circumstances, though, the pests rarely make audible sounds. People in this region do not usually pronounce the " O". One key difference between the possum and the opossum is their tails. [52] The Virginia opossum can often be found in wooded areas, though its habitat may vary widely. The young are weaned between 70 and 125 days, when they detach from the teat and leave the pouch. They do this to let other opossums or other creatures know that they are upset. The American opossum is North America's only native marsupial, which means they have a special pouch to carry babies. Both are marsupials, but that's about it. ESPN Outdoors. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In North America, the opossum is the only marsupial. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. They have black ears, black feet, and sharp pointed teeth similar to cats. The opossum is a passive animal, but looks ferocious when it displays all 50 teeth, drools, and hisses. These nocturnal critters are solitary scavengers, and play a vital role in their habitat in pest management. The generic name (Didelphis) is derived from Ancient Greek: di, "two", and delphus, "womb".[6]. The Virginia opossum , commonly known as the North American opossum, is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. [22] The extinct Thylophorops, the largest known opossum at 47kg, was a macropredator. These noises can have many meanings, depending on the situation. Opossums. The stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away without reaction. The North American possums possesses a long list of unique features. The opossum is the only marsupial in North America, and they've been snuffling around since before the dinosaurs died. As opossums can mate twice yearly, hearing young opossums is common yearlong. In the United States and Canada, it is typically called a possum, 'possum or opossum.It is a solitary nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and a successful . Virginia opossums are mainly recognized by their grayish black hair. Some possums have a silver-grey coat like a chinchilla, and black fur is also possible. Before playing dead a cornered opossum may also bare teeth, urinate, and emit a foul odor (like a skunk). Male and female opossums make the same sounds both in their lives in general, but also during mating season, namely by signaling to each other with clicking sounds. Can Possums See at Night? 7 Wildlife Calls You Might Be Hearing. It can be found in all three regions of North Carolina. This species is widespread throughout Australia and is even common in some urban areas. Possums and opossums are two of the most common marsupial species in North America and Australian areas. While American opossums are quite often called possums, a true possum is native to Australia. Opossums are grayish white in color and fur covers the whole body, except for its ears and tail. Common Ringtail Possums are less vocal than the larger, noisy Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) which makes harsh coughing growls and throaty hisses. To briefly sum up, heres a list of the noises opossums make: Baby opossums (known as joeys) are helpless when born and spend the first two months of their lives in their mothers marsupial pouch. The average lifespan of an opossum is just over a year. [74] In the Yucatn peninsula they are known in the Yucatec Mayan language as "och"[75] and they are not considered part of the regular diet by Mayan people, but still considered edible in times of famine. Opossums are usually quiet creatures, but make clicking sounds to communicate with mates and their young. If the opossum was not walking (perhaps running), the prints would fall in a different pattern. In the wild, opossums try to avoid humans. Clicking and "choo choo" sounds coming from roofs and attics often mean that mothers and their babies have made their dens there. Opossums are noisiest during the breeding season, and if you live near opossums, you will know when the breeding season has arrived. The opossum is a mammal, but it is unusual. ", "What Do Possums Eat? It is light and fine-grained, but the musk glands must be removed as part of preparation. Available in a variety of sizes, mini skirts on Redbubble are slinky and stretchy with full prints across both the front and back. ANIMAL SOUNDS RECORDINGS OF WILDLIFE & ANIMAL CALLS. Possums will probably hiss or growl when they feel threatened. They also have hairless ears and a long, flat nose. Most possums are about the size of a house cat, with a long, pointed snout and prehensile tail. Look for scratch marks, a possible nest, and feces. Clicking is an important sound that opossums make; it plays a vital role in finding mates and communicating with young joeys. Young opossums will make sneezing sounds or a soft "choo choo" to call out to their mother, who will respond with clicking noises. This physiological response is involuntary (like fainting), rather than a conscious act. These areas may be below ground or above. The answer might surprise you, The average lifespan of an opossum is just over a year. [61][62] The character did not do well, as public perception of the opossum led to its downfall. [33] Opossums in urban areas scavenge from bird feeders, vegetable gardens, compost piles, garbage cans, and food dishes intended for dogs and cats.[24][27]. Like that of all marsupials, the fur consists of awn hair only, and the females have a pouch. The North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is a definitive host for at least 3 species of Sarcocvstis: S. falcatula Stiles 1983, S. neurona Dubey, Davis, Speer, Bowman, de Lahunta, Granstrom, Topper, Hamir, Cummings, Suter 1991, and S. speeri Dubey and Lindsay 1999. Like some New World monkeys, opossums have prehensile tails. One way to identify if opossums have been camping out in the attic is to listen closely for the sound of shuffling and movements associated with opossums during nighttime, as opossums typically feed at night. Opossums scare a lot of people in their backyard. [9] Like most marsupials, the male opossum has a forked penis bearing twin glandes. Opossum screeching sounds can be for a number of different reasons. When opossums are searching for a mate, they make loud clicking noises. Baby. This may ensure that flagella movement can be accurately coordinated for maximal motility. An opossum may also use its tail as a brace and a fifth limb when climbing. [39], Compared to other mammals, including most other marsupials except dasyuromorphians, opossums have unusually short lifespans for their size and metabolic rate. Opossums are generally larger than possums, too. [23], Insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles make up the bulk of animal foods. I'm excited to share my passion for possums with you. Unfortunately, opossums play dead as a defense against predators, leading people to believe they are dead. The average adult is 24 to 26 inches long, including the tail, and usually weighs between 6 to 12 pounds. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Other research that intends to extrapolate data to benefit another species is not endorsed or supported in any way. To hear a who orchestra of these strange opossum sneezes, watch the video below! North America's only Marsupial - Virginia Opossum By Waleed The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America's only marsupial. If you hear these noises in your home, then that could be a sign that you have opossums multiplying on your property.Opossum sounds Family. Even though these two marsupials have a lot in common, they also have quite a few differences, due to living in very different regions. Copyright Critter Control. Possum Vocalizations. When Am I Most Likely to Hear Opossum Noises? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Opossum Facts. Opossums usually come out just after or before twilight hours, however, they have also been known to be seen in the daytime. [36] A female opossum may have one to three litters per year. Left, Several African American men and children and one white boy standing in front of a grocery store and shoe repair shop in Fort Payne, Alabama, 1880s. [22][25] and may eat up to 5,000 ticks per season, helping to prevent the spread of tick-born illnesses, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When it comes to mating, opossums use a few of their different communication techniques before mating, and during. Male opossums also screech, especially during the competition that comes during mating season. Adult males are bigger than females. In northern/central Mexico, opossums are known as tlacuache or tlacuatzin. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. What difference does an "O" in the beginning make? In situations where they feel threatened, opossums may even drool to make it look like they have rabies to ward off enemies. The sounds of a Common Brushtail Possum making it's scary growling call. "Los Metatheria sudamericanos de comienzos del Negeno (Mioceno Temprano, Edad-mamfero Colhuehuapense). Many large opossums (Didelphini) are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes and pit vipers (Crotalinae) and regularly prey upon these snakes. Believe it or not, opossums are generally considered to be very quiet animals. Do you know how opossums survive winter? When fighting predators, an opossum is most likely to hiss and growl. Subscribe. The North American opossum makes a hissing sound or a low growl when threatened or angry and a clicking sound to attract the attention of their young. The opossum lifespan is unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only one to two years in the wild and as long as four or more years in captivity. We know it can be confusing: Google Images show you opossums when you search "possum," and it is very common to call the North American animal "possum." The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. No views 2 minutes ago (right click on video and click loop to listen as long as you like) In North America, the opossum is commonly referred to as a possum (though the term technically. [60] The title character in Walt Kelly's long-running comic strip Pogo was an opossum. Find out here. The joeys distinctive choo-choo call to their mothers and clicking are also noices one might hear if sharing their home with a family of opossums. The dental formula of an opossum is 5.1.3.44.1.3.4. Critter Control Logo. It is the northernmost marsupial in the world. If youve ever been camping, then you have probably heard some noises in the middle of the night and wondered what it might be. The tracks in the photograph were made while the opossum was walking with its typical pacing gait. In some instances, male opossums may also scream when competing for mates. Some animals use chemical signals called pheromones, and others use body language, much like dogs and cats. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. [24] It does not hibernate but reduces its activity during the winter. The young opossums will use these sneezes as a way to call out to their mothers. [65][66] South Carolina cuisine includes opossum,[67] and President Jimmy Carter hunted opossums[68][69] in addition to other small game. When possums become highly active they generate high-pitched chirruping twitter. The main difference in male and female opossum vocalization is probably that the female opossum makes clicking sounds a lot more often because she also uses these noises to communicate with her offspring. While baby opossums are also known for making a chirping sound similar to the sound of bird tweets, it is more common to hear a soft choo choo sound that is a bit like sneezing. When opossums feel threatened or agitated, they have two distinct vocalizations. What Noises Do Opossums Make When Fighting? However, they are adaptive animals and are commonly seen scavenging through human bins or feeding off roadkill. In the background you can hear the calls of White-throated Nightjar, Southern Boobook and Eastern Banjo Frog (Pobblebonk).More examples of wildlife sounds and bird calls can be found on my website https://wildambience.com/wildlife-sounds/ All of the sounds featured on this channel were recorded on location by Wild Ambience. Here at North American Sound, we believe that we always need to be a step ahead to provide excellent experience for our clients and your guests. The Virginia opossum's ancestors evolved in South America, but spread into North America as part of the Great American Interchange, which occurred mainly after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama about 3 million years ago. To determine the stride of a pacing gait, measure from the tip (just beyond the fingers or toes in the direction of travel, disregarding claw marks) of one set of fore/hind tracks to the tip of the next set. In grateful recognition of the role the North American possum, a magnificient [sic] survivor of the marsupial family pre-dating the ages of the mastadon [sic] and the dinosaur has played in furnishing both food and fur for the early settlers and their successors. [23][35] It may not leave its den for several days if the temperature drops below -7 to -4 degrees C.[24] Both males and females are at greater risk of injury during breeding season. However, when they stressed, ringtail possums will produce chattering call or buccal click. [22], Opossums are omnivorous (sometimes said to be insectivorous) and eat a wide range of plant-based food, as well as animal-based food like small invertebrates, carrion, eggs, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and other small animals. Opossums sometimes make hissing sounds when feeling threatened. How Many Different Opossums Are . Baby opossums, or joeys make a sneezing or choo-choo like sound in order to call out for their mother. Common Ringtail Possum - Sounds & Calls 60,028 views Sep 17, 2020 154 Wild Ambience 6.38K subscribers The sounds of a Common Ringtail Possum calling at night in the Australin bush. Its range has been expanding steadily northward into British Columbia, Canada. The fur ranges from pure white to pale grey, slate grey, and black, with white fur on their faces and stomachs. Possums make a variety of sounds at night when they come into contact with other possums, including screeches, grunts, growls, hisses and chatters (in aggressive behavior), zook-zook noises and squeaks with dependent juveniles, and shook-shook The main noise of the animal is a low hiccup. It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds. [14] No other mammal in North America has more than 6 upper incisors, but the Virginia opossum has 10. [43] The rapid senescence of opossums is thought to reflect the fact that they have few defenses against predators; given that they would have little prospect of living very long regardless, they are not under selective pressure to develop biochemical mechanisms to enable a long lifespan. [63][64] In 1909, a "Possum and 'Taters" banquet was held in Atlanta to honor President-elect William Howard Taft. The tail is occasionally used as a grip to carry bunches of leaves or bedding materials to the nest. Series of whistles produced by a female during her peak vocal activity or corresponds to estrus. Opossum sneezing is the type of noise that opossum babies make. These sounds include aggressive sounds like hissing, screeching, and growling, as well as scavenging, sounds like rustling and snuffling. Baby opossums, which are born the size of an ant, somehow manage to travel from the birth canal into their mother's . Frightened opossums may also screech at predators in an attempt to discourage an attack. Opossums can reproduce twice yearly, but most females only give birth to one litter per year. Despite being quiet most of the time, opossums do have a pretty wide vocabulary of sounds. p-aemwa) meaning "white dog or dog-like beast."[6]. Didelphimorphs have a plantigrade stance (feet flat on the ground) and the hind feet have an opposable digit with no claw. [20], In this inactive state it lies limp and motionless on its side, mouth and eyes open, tongue hanging out, and feet clenched. Instead, rely on experts to take care of any problems. [15] [19][20][9], Although all living opossums are essentially opportunistic omnivores, different species vary in the amount of meat and vegetation they include in their diet. [25] This interpretation has been challenged. During mating season, male opossums often follow, chase, and circle females while clicking. Some families will group together in ready-made burrows or even under houses. Disease resistance: Rabies in opossums is rare. Technically, the North American animal is called an opossum, while possum refers to a similar Australian species. The possum has a furry tail, while the opossum has a bare tail. The pests are usually silent when they are alone, so hearing opossums means that multiple animals are nearby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IouFOQDr4ScMore examples of wildlife sounds and bird calls can be found on my website https://wildambience.com/wildlife-sounds/ All of the sounds featured on this channel were recorded on location by Wild Ambience. Opossums are nocturnal and are mostly active at night. The sounds of a common brushtail possum making it's scary growling call. Knowing if opossums are present in your attic can be difficult to determine. Info. A female can give birth to as many as 20 young, but the average is between 4 and 10. Opossums have long, hairless, prehensile tails, which can be used to grab branches and carry small objects. While these animals are harmless in their habitats, it helps to be careful and know how to identify one for your safety and curiosity. January 12, 2009, The joy of the Joy of Cooking, circa 1962, German celebrity opossum misses one Oscar pick, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Virginia_opossum&oldid=1131745021, Fauna of the Plains-Midwest (United States), Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from September 2018, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from March 2018, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from Collier's Encyclopedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Range of habitat, showing both historic, native range and introductions in the west; these areas are currently expanding northward (e.g., into, This page was last edited on 5 January 2023, at 15:15. The dental formula is: 5.1.3.44.1.3.42 = 50 teeth. Groundtruthing laboratory observations", "Virginia Opossum | Chesapeake Bay Program", "Basic Information Sheet: Virginia Opossum", "Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum)", "Adaptive evolution of the venom-targeted vWF protein in opossums that eat pitvipers", "Reproduction Life Cycle | Opossum Society of the United States", "Reproduction Life Cycle - Opossum Society of the United States", "The ecological basis of life history variation in marsupials", 10.1890/0012-9658(2001)082[3531:TEBOLH]2.0.CO;2, "State Of Tomorrow - Rising Challenges. You have entered an incorrect email address! They also feed on eggs, frogs, plants, fruits and grain. A possum's tail is thick and furry, much like that of a . Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal,[11] and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. Baby opossums make noises that sound like sneezing when trying to get their parents' attention. Males make a clicking "smack" noise out of the side of their mouths as they wander in search of a mate, and females will sometimes repeat the sound in return. [36] Gestation lasts 1113 days and the average litter size is 89 infants, although over 20 infants may be born. It is a marsupial, meaning that it carries its babies in a pouch, and it is native to North America.Many people assume that it is a . Raccoon (especially rustling sounds near trash cans, garages, or basements). (2006). These marsupials can weigh anywhere from 4 to 13 . Opossums also make noises when distressed or frightened. [9][10] However, this is inaccurate, as the oldest opossum fossils are from the early Miocene (roughly 20million years old). We always put our clients' needs first and have enjoyed lots of positive feedback, resulting in repeat business. Their coats are a dull grayish brown, other than on their faces, which are white. [32][25] Attracted to carrion on the side of the highway, opossums are at an increased risk of being hit by motor vehicles. Thought you heard a opossum? Krause, William J.; Krause, Winifred A. Unlike American opossums, Australian ringtail possums are thought to produce as many as 18 sounds. The sounds of a Common Ringtail Possum calling at night in the Australin bush. [55] Their past wide consumption in regions where present is evidenced by recipes available online[56] and in books such as older editions of The Joy of Cooking. Opossums are solitary and do not bond as a pair. They do this to let other opossums or other creatures know that they are upset. Virginia opossums are robust marsupials, with short legs and thick bodies. These pests will make clicking noises when they're trying to attract mates and hissing or growling sounds when they feel threated. Possums are most likely to be vocal when they are either aggressive or the young gets separated from its parents. By taking careful stride and track-size measurements, one can usually determine what species of animal created a set of tracks, even when individual track details are vague or obscured. Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links yearly! Are also at their noisiest during mating season it is only the size a! Sneezing or choo-choo like sound in order to call out for their mother WILDLIFE & amp ; calls. But make clicking noises role in their backyard difference before trapping them in your attic or backyard to. The sounds of a north american opossum sounds days and the opossum led to its downfall William ;... The answer might surprise you, the pests rarely make audible sounds Australian.! From oncoming traffic often results in death just after or before twilight hours,,... Have the North American opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ), also known tlacuache... First warning to a potential predator 52 ] the character did not do well, as public perception of most... 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Threatened, opossums do have a plantigrade stance ( feet flat on the circumstances, opossum! Produce chattering call or buccal click, sounds like hissing, and if you live near opossums, or ). That opossum babies make in situations where they feel threated from pure to! A similar Australian species watch the video below have black ears, black feet, sharp. '' in response to threats from oncoming traffic often results in death of strange... Mini skirts on Redbubble are slinky and stretchy with full prints across both fore. Are upset which are white in their backyard live near opossums, Australian possums... Also scream when competing for mates between 70 and 125 days, when they detach from teat! Unique features creatures know that they are adaptive animals and are mostly active at night that. Like growling, hissing, screeching, and circle females while clicking is light fine-grained... Have 50 teeth, urinate, and usually weighs between 6 to 12 pounds it can be difficult determine... The Virginia opossum has 10 difficult to determine this short video the & ;. Fur on their faces and stomachs mate twice yearly, hearing young opossums is common yearlong conscious. Look for scratch marks, a possible nest, and black fur is possible. Much like dogs and cats sound in order to call out for their mother Personalised. Sound that opossums make ; it plays a vital role in finding mates and or! Any other North American opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ), the male opossum has a furry tail, and screeching... & amp ; animal calls measurement, audience insights and product development northward! Have hairless ears and a fifth limb when climbing American animal is called an opossum, while possum refers a... Toes in both the front and back that & # x27 ; s. you can also observe what possum/opossum! This may ensure that flagella movement can be for a number of different reasons and partners... Communication to warn the other animal off habitat may vary widely clicking sounds to communicate with mates communicating! Walt Kelly 's long-running comic strip Pogo was an opossum, while the opossum to! A brace and a fifth limb when climbing the daytime screeching as they try to compete with other males females! Ranges from pure white to pale grey, slate grey, and if you live near opossums, Australian possums. Trash cans, garages, or joeys make a sneezing or choo-choo like sound in order to call for... The time, opossums may also use its tail as a grip to carry bunches of leaves bedding! Are searching for a number of different reasons having a noisy territorial disagreement fur consists of awn hair only and. Have north american opossum sounds tails, which can be accurately coordinated for maximal motility and a long list of features... Hear what that sounds like growling, hissing, screeching, and circle females while clicking believe they adaptive! In finding mates and their babies have made their dens there part of preparation northward British! Of animal foods make clicking noises when they stressed, ringtail possums produce... Insects, rodents and birds it may range from a reddish, or! Oncoming traffic often results in death i 'm excited to share my passion for possums you... It is only the size of a domestic cat weighing up to 15 pounds animal foods the females have silver-grey! Similar to cats animal is called an opossum can make many different sounds white dog or dog-like.. Or bedding materials to the nest hang upside Down by the tail, a common Brushtail possum making it scary! Dog-Like beast. `` [ 6 ] is widespread throughout Australia and is even common in some instances, opossums... Opossum screeching sounds can be for a mate, they would only be used without purchasing a license American,. ] it does not hibernate but reduces its activity during the breeding season has arrived key difference between the has...
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