The gray short-tailed opossum is used as a research model in science,[4] and is also frequently found in the exotic pet trade.

[5] The claws are well-developed and curved in shape, and the paws have small pads marked with fine dermal ridges.

[5] The gray short-tailed opossum is found generally south of the Amazon River, in southern, central, and western Brazil.

They hunt primarily by scent, poking their snout into vegetation in search of prey or dead animals to scavenge.

Once they find living prey, they pounce onto it, holding it down with their forefeet while delivering a killing strike, often to the base of the neck, with their sharp teeth.

Although they may occasionally shelter in natural crevices in the rock, they normally spend the day in concealed nests constructed of leaves, bark, and other available materials.

They are solitary, coming together only to mate, and with each individual occupying a home range of 1,200 to 1,800 m2 (13,000 to 19,000 sq ft), flagged with scent marks.

The approach of another member of the species is commonly met with hissing and screeching, which may escalate to defensive strikes launched while the animal is standing on its hind legs.