The possum has varied colors. Scientific Name: Order Didelphimorphia (e.g ., Didelphis virginiana) Common Names: Opossum, possum; Basic Animal Group: Mammal; Size: 13-37 inches plus 8-19 inch tail; Weight: 11 ounces to 14 pounds; … They use their sharp claws, tails and mouth to climb trees. Opossum pelts have long been part of the fur trade. Mar 28, 2019 - Explore Lauri’s place's board "Possum facts" on Pinterest. 4. While possums are mainly herbivores, they have also been known to eat insects and birds’ eggs. 625 likes. Above all, we need to remember to respect and cherish these wonderful creatures. See more ideas about Possum facts, Possum, Opossum. These beautiful night-time visitors may thud around on our rooftops or cheekily nibble our garden herbs, but we’re so lucky to have such amazing animals right in our own backyards! Joeys remain inside the pouch for about 50 days, after which time they begin to exit the pouch and spend time on their mother’s back. Possums are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. There are five species of pygmy possum, all of which are native to Australia, and only the long-tailed pygmy possum is found elsewhere in the world. They use their sharp claws, tails and mouth to climb trees. Rabies for example is a common virus that spreads through wildlife animals, but possums aren’t likely at all to have it. You'll get to know why possums behave the way they do about certain things. Fast Facts: Opossum. Possums are also native to Papua New Guinea and Sulawesi, and are also found as an introduced species in New Zealand and China. Public Holidays and Important Dates Brisbane, Fertility, Pregnancy and Prenatal Services Brisbane, Special Needs Services, Groups and Programs, Extracurricular Classes for Childcare Centres in Brisbane. If your Brisbane Kids love possums, they’ll love these fun possum facts. Fact 1. Press J to jump to the feed. Consider these opossum facts before enticing them to stay: As scavengers, opossums will gladly consume pet food left outdoors. Although many refer to opossums as “possums“, the term “possum” technically refers to a classification of marsupials living in Australia, New Guinea and Sulawesi. They also eat nectar, flowers and fruit. . The possum has a pretty long tail which makes up … Due to an opossum's low body temperature and successful immune system, it's very rare for one to carry rabies. – It is as big as a large cat between 350 to 550 mm in length and its tail almost as long as its body at 250 to 400 mm. In Australia, they don’t use the term opossum. Fun Facts about Possums. Without certain permits, it is against the law to trap, hunt or kill possums. The Brushtail Possum changes in colour and size depending on where they live. In the day, they sleep in tree hollows. Some possums are quite common, but others are rare. [3] Opossums have a diverse palate when it comes to food; they'll eat everything from insects to … 1. The common opossum, found in Central America and northern South America, is eaten in the Caribbean. A Ringtail possum is a bit like a koala in that it is a folivore. Their normal diet consists of carrion, rodents, insects, snails, slugs, birds, eggs, frogs, plants, fruits and grains. They move constantly and search for food on different locations. 53 votes, 14 comments. Opossums have prehensile tails, and excellent control over them. The opossum is the only species of marsupial (mammals with a pouch in which they carry their young) that is found outside of Australia an it’s surrounding islands. In captivity, they can live twice as long. Opossums are about eight times less likely to carry rabies than wild dogs, and about one in eight hundred opossums is infected with this virus. A Ringtail possum is a bit like a koala in that it is a folivore. The Virginia opossum is the most commonly known opossum. Between the months of January and October, opossums breed and give birth to up to two litters of 4-8 young – or joeys – each. Best I’ve seen so far! When threatened or harmed, they will “play possum“, mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. By: Wildlife Removal Services Date Published: February 14th, 2019 Tags: animal removal service, opossum control, opossum removal companies, wildlife removal services. In the day, they sleep in tree hollows. Possums loved them, chewy on the outside, creamy on the inside . Fun Facts. Opossums are generally nocturnal, foraging throughout the night. While one might simply assume that possum and opossum are just two different spellings for the same animal, they are actually two different species. Opossums are known for causing big problems for San Diego County property owners. In northern/central Mexico, opossums are known as “tlacuache” or “tlacuatzin”. In rare occasions it can be black, brown or albino colored. They have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind. Possums are usually nocturnal and are therefore active at night whereas rats can be active at any time of the day. 10. Possums are an introduced species to New Zealand. Are Possums Good to Have Around? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. The possum would then come back and try to find another entry point to its home. 53. Nonetheless, it's the Australian ones that hold the true scientific title of "possum" now. Opossum has neither good eyesight nor strong hearing power. Post pictures, videos, information, questions, and news about our beloved (o)possums. The most common species are the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. Possums numbers reached their highest point in the 1980s when there were 50-70 million possums in New Zealand. Required fields are marked *. Honey possums are key pollinators for their favorite flower - nodding banksia, which grows on the southern coast of Western Australia. They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow. Your article makes me think of them and I've enjoyed reading it. Due to feeding upon nectar of various flowering plants, they serve as pollinators for these species. Usually they have 53 to 90 centimeters (21 to 35 inches) in length (including tail) and weigh between 1.8 and 6.8 kilograms (4 and 15 pounds). Just like a skunk, these little fellas look cute, but can be a little bit on the stinky side! The ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) or a common ringtail possum lives in Australia. Ten fun facts about Possums. Main predators of opossums are dogs, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, hawks and owls. 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