Downward ‘possum might not be a traditional yoga pose but Shadow, Twig and Flapjack are trying to change that.

In a unique event, Humane Indiana Wildlife’s three opossum ambassadors joined a yoga class held indoors at the Art Barn near Valparaiso on Friday evening.

Most of the monthly “Poses with ‘Possums” classes that started being held in July of 2024 sell out immediately.

Instructor Mary Marchetti of St. John reached out to Director Nicole Harmon at Humane Indiana last summer because she was working on doing unique yoga pop-ups, and had brought her family to the Valparaiso Humane Indiana location and thought it was a beautiful area. Harmon and Marchetti discussed the idea of the class.

“I told her, if you’re serious, I’m serious,” said Marchetti of introducing opossums to a yoga class.

“We can connect to nature, move our bodies, have smiles and laughter, and raise awareness to Humane Indiana.”

Sisters-in-law Sara Rhoades of Valparaiso and Jessica Berg, a former yoga instructor from Griffith, attended the class.

“I absolutely didn’t know what to expect,” said Rhoades. “But this seems about right. This is really fun.”

Marchetti started off the class by asking the participants to find a comfortable position as the opossums started moving about the room.

“Clear out your mind from any stresses, set them aside and be fully present for this unique event as our animal friends join us,” said Marchetti.Employees and volunteers would move and redirect the opossums so all participants could experience being near them, but it was clear that the opossums had their favorites, because they were making a distinct clicking sound.

The clicking sound is part of a behavior called slubbing, where opossums can rub against someone or something to put their scent on it.

“This behavior is used by male opossums as a way to mark their territory or attract a mate,” said Harmon.

Opossums are considered a misunderstood species because they have an unusual appearance, leading people to believe they are aggressive or diseased. They are actually shy, docile animals that will not attack unless provoked. Hissing is a noise they make when they are frightened. They do not chew on wires, get in your garbage, or dig up your flowers, according to information on the website https://championsforwildlife.org/.

“My favorite thing about them is when the males develop their tiny little fangs that stick out of their face,” said Sierra Irving, a Humane Indiana animal care staff member. “They are such sweet animals.”

Mara King of Portage came with her brother’s girlfriend as a guest and has done yoga on and off for a few years.

“The opossums are cute and strange, but it’s fun,” said King.

“Yoga is for everyone,” says Marchetti to anyone who might be afraid to try a class. “My style of yoga allows for different modifications, and I have taught all different levels and ages up to 90 years old.”

The event has sold out in the past but those interested are encouraged to follow Humane Indiana Wildlife’s Facebook page or visit humaneindiana.org for more information. Classes will return to the Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation Center when the spring weather arrives.

Deena Butterfield is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.