Whence RVA (O)possums?

I’m just learning after 36 years as a Richmonder that opossums are the unofficial Richmond mascot and I’m not opposed but I’m confused.

I like them as much as the next guy - cleaning up nasty stuff, not spreading rabies, being good parents - but what ties Richmond to them? I would assume they’re just as numerous in every temperate city as they are here.

How did this happen? Was it truly grass roots or is the Big Opossum Lobby generating buzz?