Ask an Opossum

Hi! I’m Phi, Xplor’s mail possum. I know a lot about nature. If you have a question, email me at AskPhi@mdc.mo.gov.

Q: Why does poison ivy make you itchy?

From Grayson, age 7

A: Poison ivy is covered with invisible sap. Touch it, and the sap sticks to your skin. Your immune system defends your body from harmful things like germs. But sometimes it goes overboard. With poison ivy sap, it reacts by forming a red, itchy rash. Not everyone’s body acts this way. About three out of ten people — and ten out of ten possums — could roll around in poison ivy and not feel itchy at all. I wouldn’t try it, though!