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No. Possums are not dangerous.
The possum is unlikely to attack a human being unless it feels it is left with no other choice. The possum is giving away both height and reach and knows it is likely to come off worse in a fight with a human. Usually it will 'play dead' if it is caught unawares. The best advice is to go along with the possum's game and leave the little chicken alone safe in the knowledge he knows who's boss. That way nobody gets bitten.
Clarification:
Only the North American opossum plays dead.
True possums - the marsupials found in many parts of Australia - do not play dead, but they will scratch or bite if cornered. They are very docile creatures and just want to be left alone. If trapped, like any other animal, they become scared for their life and will defend themselves. Other than that, just give them a way out and they will take it. There is no reason to ever fear a possum. They are a very clean, disease free animal, although they are known to harbour ticks and fleas, and pose more of a danger to domestic pets than to people.
Incidentally, the "playing dead" strategy is not a choice - it is a physiological defence over which the opossum has no control. It is not trying to show anyone "who's boss" - it is an instinctive defence mechanism.
What else can I help you with?
What does the poison used to kill possums contain?
The poison used to kill possums has arsenic in it. It can also contain cyanide, ethylene glycol, and several other dangerous chemicals that are used to kill the animal.
What is a possum called when there is 2?
possums
Are possums blind?
Possums are not blind.
What eats possums?
Possums are eaten by snakes.
Is there possums in possum pie?
There are no possums in possum pie, as true possums are found in Australia and nearby islands, and they are protected in Australia. Possums are not the same as opossums.
Does possums have scales?
Possums are mammals, and are covered with hair.
Is sugar poisonous to possums?
No. Sugar is not poisonous to possums.
Are ringtail possums endangered?
No. Ring-tail possums are not even close to being endangered.
What do you call multiple possums?
There is no particular name for a female possum.
Are possums eaten in Australia?
Possums are not eaten in modern times. In the past, the early settlers ate possums if nothing else was available. Certainly the Australian Aborigines ate possums.
Are possums external or internal?
In their natural state, Australian possums are external dwellers. However, brushtail possums and ringtail possums often shelter in the roof space of suburban houses.
Do possums have predators?
The predators of true possums, which live in Australia, are eagles, hawks, owls and quolls. Foxes, which have been introduced to Australia, are also predators of possums. Possums should not be confused with opossums, which live in North America, and are not related to possums.
