Where do possums hide?

Answer 1

If you are talking about Australian Possums then they sleep in hollow trees, 'Possum Boxes' or your roof. Possum Boxes can be made by you out of simple timber, any type scrap or new. You can find out more and get templates on council sites as they try to promote native species rather than getting an exterminator to come and relocate it. If you do have a possum in your roof there are ways to get 'rid' of it without the added cost of an exterminator. Eg, You find the gap in your roof and buy a one-way door. Then you make/buy a possum box and put it in a nearby tree with some apple on/in it. The possum will go in the box and have a look, and when it tries to return home it can't (a bit cruel but less stressful than relocation)! It should then go and live in your box. MAKE SURE that you: block up ALL holes in your roof during the day and MAKE SURE the box is high enough your cat/dog and other peoples cats/dogs cannot reach the box (especially dogs, cat's won't attack them but they will torment them, my cat's do)!

Answer 2

True possums, those that live in Australia and New Zealand, do not need to go anywhere in the winter. They may spend more time in their shelter (tree hollows, house roofs, etc) but they still come out at night to forage for food. Possums are not the same as opossums.

Answer 3

There are four species of possum found throughout the Northern Territory, however, humans will typically encounter the Northern brushtail possum, as this is more likely to tolerate close proximity to humans. The Rock ringtail possum and Sugar glider are less commonly encountered throughout urban environments in the Top End. The Common brushtail possum is the only species found in Central Australia and, despite its name, is rare throughout this region.

Northern brushtail possums have adapted well to living in close proximity to humans, and are one of few native animals that will live and breed in the urban environment. Brushtails are commonly found in suburban areas throughout the Top End, including Darwin and Katherine. Breeding occurs throughout the year when food is plentiful and young emerge after spending 4-5 months in the female's pouch.

Possums are important pollinators and seed dispersers for a range of native plants and flowers.

FeedingPossums emerge from their shelters each night to feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits of Ironwoods, wattles and melaleucas. In urban areas, possums will also feed on fruit trees and other introduced garden plants. Possums will also scavenge from bins, compost heaps and pet food bowls if allowed. ThreatsThe Northern brushtail possum is common in rural and urban fringe areas and is one of the few mammal species in Australia that has successfully adapted to urban environments. However, urban possums often fall victim to cat and dog attacks, car strikes and poisoning from rodent baits. Interactions With PeopleIn areas occupied by humans, possums take advantage of reliable food supplies, protected nesting sites and well irrigated habitats. Living with possums can be problematic, especially when they move into house roofs. Brushtails often utilise rooftops as places to shelter and breed because suitable natural tree hollows are unavailable in urban areas. Possums can also cause damage to gardens and fruit orchards, particularly when natural food sources are scarce.

Possums communicate by sound and scent. Sharp hisses and deep coughs are often used, particularly during breeding, which can occur year round and cause considerable disturbance.

What You Can DoIf you have problems possums in your area there are a number of things that you can try to reduce these problems:

• Trapping and relocating problematic possums is often ineffective and not recommended.
• Before taking any measures to deter or move possums from an area a substitute possum box should be installed.
• Once you have ensured all possums have vacated block all entry/exit points in your roof and house. This activity should be carried out during the night, when possums will be outside feeding.
• Do not feed possums and ensure all bins are fitted with secure lids.
• Apply scent deterrents, such as disinfectants or naphthalene.
• Install sensor or flood lights in affected areas in your backyard to deter possums. This method can also be used in roof cavities, as possums will typically only shelter in dark undisturbed areas.
• Restrict movement of your dog and/or cat during the night.
• Possums are highly territorial and removing a possum will only be temporarily, as new possums will quickly move into the vacated territory.

Possums are a protected species in the Northern Territory. For this reason, it is important that members of the public do not interfere with these animals without an appropriate permit.

Answer 4

Possums live in trees where there is big oval shaped holes.

Answer 5

Possums live in hollow trees and logs. They like any enclosed space, including the roof space in houses, and have been known to make themselves at home in fireplaces and even dog kennels.

Answer 6

During the day, possums return to their shelters. These may be holes in trees, roof cavities or any other available space.

Answer 7

Possums most commonly hide in hollows in trees and logs, spaces in roofs and even chimneys and fireplaces.