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Possums
Not to be confused with the opossum that is found in North America and often called possum, the possum is native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi, and has been introduced in New Zealand and southern China. Nocturnal and omnivorous, they hide in their nests during the day and come out at night to forage for food. With 25 species of these medium-sized arboreal marsupials, there is plenty to do and learn in this category.
591 Questions
What rhymes with possum apart from blossom?
2 syllables:
awesome, fossum, wassom, wassum 3 syllables:
opossum, vanrossum 4 syllables:
appleblossom 5 syllables:
common opossum, flying opossum
What do you do if a possum bites you?
Given that possums avoid people wherever possible, it is highly unlikely that one would bite you. However, in the evnt that one was bitten by a possum, the wisest course of action is to see a doctor, who will probably give you a tetanus shot, and treat the bite. Do not leave it untended.
What do you call a possum's nest?
Possums do not have nests. They shelter in hollows within trees, and in other enclosed spaces such as roof cavities and chimneys.
It should be noted that possums are not the same as the opossums of North America, even though both are marsupials. Some sources may report that an opossum's nest is called a "drey". This term applies to squirrels, which are members of the rodent family, not opossums (or even possums).
What predators do possums have?
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.
Are brushtail possums native to Australia?
Brush tail possums live in hollow trees and logs. Unfortunately, they also like to inhabit the roof space in houses, and have been known to make themselves at home in fireplaces and even dog kennels.
How long do Florida Possums Live?
The life span of a possum varies according to several factors.
Firstly, it depends on the species. Larger possums such as brushtail and ringtail possums can live up to 11 years if not taken by predators or hit by cars. They tend to have an average lifespan of 6-7 years.
Sometimes it depends on whether the possum is male or female.
For smaller species such as the Eastern Pygmy Possum, it varies hugely for males and females. Females average 11 years, but males usually only live to four years.
Virginia opossums, which are quite different to true possums (and found in North America), appear to have a maximum lifespan of four years, even in protective captivity. In the wild they are more likely to live only 1-2 years.
Animals most likely to eat ring-tail possums include dingoes, quolls, goannas and introduced species such as foxes. Domestic dogs kill them but do not usually eat them.
No porcupines do not because they do not live anywhere where the weather is too cold.
Do possums like to eat chicken?
I did not know myself until I have seen it first hand. I have a wild bird feeder in my yard and today filled it with sunflower seeds. I was working in my shed tonight and as I was closing up I could hear something over at the feeder and shone the light over and there was a possum having a feast on the seeds.
Possums are not classed as "carnivorous". Generally, true possums, which are those found in Australia and on some islands of the Oceania region, prefer to eat fruit, nectar and young shoots, flowers and leaves.
Many species are insectivorous, and some do occasionally eat small reptiles.
There is one exception, and that is the Brushtail possum, which is not native to New Zealand but introduced from Australia. It has adapted quite differently to its environment. It has become a devastating pest in that country, feeding on native birds of New Zealand. It has been pictured multiple times feasting on eggs/chicks and birds.
This pest is also known to eat native New Zealand snails, and frogs. The impact on NZ wildlife has resulted in totally wiping out some species of native birds since their introduction from Australia to NZ (for the Fur Trade) in 1837.
Changes in the environment for the sugar glider (a small, gliding possum) have resulted in it sometimes being observed as a meat-eater, even though in its native state it feeds exclusively on insects, fruits, nectar and sap. These delicate little creatures are being kept as exotic pets overseas. The stress of being kept in small cages rather than free, and the imbalance in their diet from people who do not understand the needs of these creatures has resulted in them gaining a reputation for eating their young.
The Virginian opossum, which is commonly shortened to "possum" even though the two species are quite unrelated, is truly omnivorous, eating a great variety of meats and vegetation.
Are possums secondary consumer?
No they are Primary Consumers. They only eat plants they do not eat meat they are too small
The prey of true possums, that is, those of Australia are neighbouring islands, are insects, and occasionally small reptiles. Generally, though, possums feed on young shoots, leaves, flowers, nectar and fruit of a variety of trees and shrubs.
In the wild, not many wolves would ever come across pigs.
But wolves are opportunistic feeders, and may well have a go at a pig if the opportunity presented itself.
yes and they also eat a different variety of things like mice, and rabbits, and all kinds of other stuff
Do possums nest in a pile of leaves?
Some of the pygmy possum species nest in piles of leaves, among other things. Larger possums nest in tree hollows, or even house roof cavities.
What does a greater glider eat?
Greater gliders eat a variety of eucalyptus leaves of the subgenus Monocalyptus. They also feed on nectar from the flowers of those eucalyptus species.
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.
Is there a repellent for possums?
There are numerous natural substances which are said to repel possums, with varying degrees of success.
The related link below lists substances that have been tested, and a summary of the results.
No "possums" live in Arizona but the Virginia Opossum's range has extended as far as there.
True possums are actually the marsupials found in Australia and some surrounding islands. They are different from opossums, and not related.
No. Australian possums, such as pygmy possums, do not "play possum" like the American opossum does. They are different species, with different habits.
Neither possums nor opossums, which are unrelated, dig holes and are not a threat to people or most pets. They can be a nuisance near homes where they may get into garbage, bird feeders, or pet food.
How would possums adapt to the ice age?
Well, they would have to find warmer places to live. They would probably grow thicker coats and try to avoid cold winds and snow.
What made the Mahogany glider endangered?
There are three species of genuine mahogany: Swietenia mahagoni, which is native to southern Florida, USA, the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and Hispaniola; Swietenia macrophylla, which is native to Central and South America and many Caribbean islands; and Swietenia humilis, which is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. S. mahogoni is considered endangered as a result of logging and habitat destruction, and the other two species are vulnerable for the same reasons. These species are at least partially protected by law in their native habitats. Interestingly, S. macrophylla is an invasive species in places where it isn't native, such as the Philippines, because it grows quickly in diverse light conditions and crowds out native plants.
What is a possum's protection?
A possum's only protection is its sharp claws and teeth, and a loud and angry hiss when cornered. Apart from that, it tries to escape predators by climbing. It is a very agile creature, able to jump and climb, including hanging upside down by its feet as it runs along cables and wires.
A possum also uses camouflage, staying still so that predators cannot easily spot it.
Most of the weasel family hiss when threatened. The hiss is a low sound lasting for approximately 3 seconds or so, often repeated if the threat does not dissipate. they also offer a scream if the threat intensifies. In mink its a loud high pitched scream, in ferrets and polecats its a barking scream, in stoats and weasels it is a high pitched yelping scream.
