Saruê is one of the names given to the shrimp (Didelphis aurita) in Brazil, used mainly in Bahia and other states in the Northeast. This animal belongs to the marsupial family, it is not domesticable and You can bite, if you feel threatened.
One of the main characteristics of saruê is the presence of a gland in the anus region that releases a foul odor rather unpleasant when you feel threatened.
The hare is not considered a dangerous animal, but can transmit various zoonoses for humans, when both share the same habitat, such as leptospirosis, for example.
Learn more about the meaning of Zoonosis.
The Sarouse have nocturnal habits and feed on fruits, roots, worms, larvae, insects, lizards, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals such as rats. In addition, the Sahrawis are still known for their fondness for the blood they often suck from their victims.
They can be found practically all over the country, whether in forests or in urban centers. As a matter of fact, the presence of sarues is common in the basements, ceilings and attics of houses.
Depending on the region of Brazil, saruê can still be known as mucura (in the Amazon), coat (In Ceara), possum (in Pernambuco), micure (in Mato Grosso) or taibou, tacaca and tack (in the Southeast region).
Etymologically, the term saruê originated from the ancient Tupi opossum, while skunk is derived from Tupi ga'ba, which means "hollow breast", a reference to the characteristic of marsupials having a "bag" external abdominal of their bodies (marsupium), where their puppies stay until completing the development.