What animal looks like a possum but has a bushy tail? In America, many people use the words "possum" and "opossum" interchangeably, so if someone reports seeing a possum out during the day, it's highly likely they actually mean an opossumand again, it's highly unlikely that this animal has rabies, although it can be a carrier. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. Leave the opossum alone and enjoy watching wildlife in your own backyard. My little fellow {Sweet Pea} loves egg yolk and cheese. I took him to the vet and got him neutered and he and my cats became best friends. They also dislike spiny grevilleas, hakeas, woody banksias and tea-trees. Thats why the memes are so popular. The average life span of a brushtail possum in the wild is about two years, according to the San Diego Zoo. An opossum's tail is devoid of fur and helps him to attach himself to tree branches. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The mother opossum licks the pouch and other fur (see above) to help the baby opossums in their journey. Even as the joeys grow older, the mother will still carry them on her back wherever she goes. You've probably never heard an opossum make a noise before because they are usually fairly quiet. They will wander around and snoop at everything eating bugs and such. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. They can live in trees, den in burrows or even make use of abandoned buildings. Thanks for contrasting opossum and possum. Image credit Nga Manu. But the same would be true if we modeled for other small rodent predators. So far he is growing rapidly and seems to be doing well. So if the predator decides to gnaw on the opossum anyway, theres no escape. Virginia opossum Possums in the roof. Its probably unsurprising that an animal that transforms itself into a smelly corpse is going to be the subject of folk tales. They also have great dexterity, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other things they shouldn't. ?leave them alone they do a world of good! An opossum, when confronted with a threat, will often hiss or bare its teeth. Most homeowners, on the other hand, prefer not to have a possum living under their house. 2023 The Nature Conservancy. This daytime foraging doesnt help much during periods of frigid weather. Do opossums carry disease? They wont eat your pets. The combined head and body length is between 35 and 55 . EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. The lifespan of an opossum is relatively short for a mammal of its size. The opossum will remain in this unconscious state for minutes to hours. These young animals are generally attached to their mother's teat, if separated they will have nothing else to eat so they will die. I just found a baby possum,it has it`s eyes open but is so weak it has trouble walking,or maybe it`s still learning? They Are Opportunistic Omnivores The opossum's normal diet consists of carrion, rodents, snakes, insects, snails, slugs,. I found a baby opossum in front of our house under a parked car. They just need to be controlled. Conservation science, field reporting, and cool creatures. While possums are not technically rodents, rodent repellent spray, which is widely commercially available, can ward them off. Caught a baby that was sharing cat food left out by neighbor this past year carried it into home to show grandkids ! Their tails are prehensile and can be used to help them climb and hold onto tree branches. It is a large possum with a bushy tail and pointy ears. And other weird facts about the underrated Virginia opossum. One that goes shuffling along, adapting to our ways and thriving in our midst. Choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on. The first is the species of possum youre dealing with. And Other Questions, Even for Solitary Squirrels, Its Better to Know the Neighbors, Ways to Enjoy & Protect Nature Without Leaving Your Home, The Carbon Cost of Converting Peatlands to Oil Palm. They immediately crawl into the mother's pouch to continue developing. She knows what she is doing and will take care of her young on her own. Opossums will den for a few days to escape the cold, but they dont hibernate. Many opossums bear physical evidence of surviving harsh winters damaged ears and tails. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". An opossum. Opossums really do play dead. It was thought that once the babies were born, the mother would sneeze the babies into her pouch. If the baby you have found is 4 long or longer, has its eyes opened and . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Poor diets can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal. The long, pointed nose of the animal has long tactile hairs. An opossum's tail is hairless, long and very flexible and capable. Possums can squeeze through a nine-centimetre . Female opossums often lick their pouch and surrounding areas before giving birth, sometimes making a sneezing sound when they do. Possums are also known to carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans. How long the baby can survive will depend on the temperature of its environment, but without warmth and food it will not survive longer than 2-3 days. In minutes or hours, the opossum will regain consciousness and escape quietly on its own. When was the bushy tailed opossum first described? This is particularly the case with a baby possum as they are indeed vulnerable. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, about 65 million years ago The opossum, or possum, is the only marsupial in North America. Heres how it works. They may also be a threat to other small animals in your area like chickens and rabbits. but a closer look reveals a fascinating creature. Typically, most of the joeys don't survive. Many people are not aware of the fact that Opossums can use their tails in generating scents , which are used as a . Known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and other diseases, the pesky creatures pose serious health threats when they invade urban environments. Live trapping presents the problem of dealing with the animal once captured. Mixing fresh garlic bits in water and spraying around a garden area helps keep possums away. It appears to be arboreal (tree-living), nocturnal (active mainly at night) and solitary. The long, pointed nose of the animal has long tactile hairs. Opossums become dangerous with their ability to transmit diseases to pets and people. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com. They arent a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while. The majority of vets dont yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. A relative of mine found a possum had gotten into her house. Opossums make a huge mess while they are foraging for food. One of the wackiest myths is the once-common view that female opossums give birth out their nostrils. Do not make your place inviting to opossums! In fact, their tails (and ears) are hairless, making themparticularly susceptible to frostbiteand even hypothermia. They are attracted to overflowing or odorous trash cans, uncovered compost heaps or other containers that you may have outside. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. Wonderful,informative article I love them and Ive learned things I didnt know about them Thank you Mary. Can a possum survive without a tail? However, when Australia was colonized by Europeans, they took this word and applied it to another type of marsupial which is found there, but not in the Americas. If there is an opossum in the backyard, dont worry. The possum will likely want to run out of the house, much like many a pet cat. Half of the offspring will not survive even one year after birth. They are essentially, as nature writer Ted Williams notes, walking embryos. Possums' bodies can be 30-50cm long with a tail length of 24-40cm, and can weigh 1.5-4.5kg. Opossums are fastidious groomers in fact, theyre practically odorless unless theyre feigning death so 97 percent of the ticks were cleaned off and consumed. We also need to consider kindness. Though opossums will hiss at humans, they are rarely aggressive, according to The Humane Society. To a possum, the crawlspace under a house seems like a good place to set up its own home. I have recently found a possum and it says I need a permit to keep it. We had a cage for it in the yard. The possum is a small mammal from the marsupial family. Adults can weigh around 1.5-4 kg. They Get Rid Of Garden Pests. Esbilac is a good brand of puppy milk replacement to use. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. marsupials But the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. Once in the pouch, life gets no easier. She arranged to have it humanely trapped and returned to the wild (complete with a couple of apples). Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It will not pee or poop if you don't do this and will die. However, if there isnt enough water available, they will need to drink water from time to time. Use. They do play dead, a behavior that has been coined "playing possum." They like to set up their habitat near water or moist areas. An opossum sits in a tree. An opossum's tail and opposable thumbs on the hind feet come in very handy because they are the primary "tools" an opossum uses to climb trees. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. Another important factor is that it is illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. Possums are omnivores and they eat both meat and plants so they have options when it comes to finding food sources even when theyre not being fed by humans or other animals that might be caring for them. They use to play and sleep together all the time. Opossums are solitary animals except when coming together to mate or when females have young. The home ranges of city opossums, on the other hand, were smaller. While some opossums are endangered or extinct, the common opossum is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). I guess they can feel separation anxiety like any house pet. They are now eating and defecting by themselves. Joeys often take joy rides on their mother's back and they hunt for food together. Just different pronunciations. But more research is needed. The longer they go the more dormant and slow the possum will become. To a possum, the crawlspace under a house seems like a good place to set up its own home. But you will note that opossums are also found all along the West Coast of the United States. And, as always, leave your own opossum observations in the comments. And one common neurological disease affecting American horses is equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The possum has come back now 4 more times. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Baby Virginia opossums are born hairless and sightless and are about the size of a honeybee. 3 of the six have survived the first two nights without their mother. The most surprising to me reading this is the feigning death is actually involuntary like them goats lol ! It is illegal to trap a ringtail possum without a permit. There is a baby food that comes in a tube that is very handy for portioning out and storing, Handle your opossum as much as possible. Matthew L. Miller is director of science communications for The Nature Conservancy and editor of the Cool Green Science blog. The western ringtail possum is a threatened species under State . It is very easy to aspirate a baby, which can be fatal. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. The average adult is 24 to 26 inches long, including the tail, and usually weighs between 6 to 12 pounds. Dark, ground level and protected from the elements, a home's crawlspace has the same qualities a possum would seek for its den in the wild. You need to find an animal doctor who is qualified to address this type of health problems if you are going to raise a possum. Tie helium balloons around your yard to sway in the wind and startle the possums away. The tail of the opossum is bushy, covered with thick fur. This is something important when considering opossums as pets. They seem to understand and appreciate they are safe and more comfortable inside where they are free from predators, parasites, and the other elements of nature. More answers. They can use them much like a fifth limb to aid in climbing trees and other structures, according to the University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web. They can get so slow and sedentary they are just sitting there waiting for death or something to come along and kill it or catch it so they can eat. I came upon an orphaned little male possum whose mother had been hit and killed by a car. What occurs will depend on the individual animal. It doesnt look like anything else you see in field or forest. Some were released in southern California in 1890, for reasons that remain unclear. It is even more interesting that it is then taken as fact that opossums are important in reducing Lyme disease. It's a common misconception, and one that is perpetuated because of how these creatures are sometimes portrayed in cartoons. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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The animal can be poked, turned over, and even carried away without reaction. A wild-born possum will be better adjusted to living off its own resources than a domesticated one that was raised by humans. The diet probably comprises insects, eggs and plant material. Opossum ears are black, hairless, leathery, and tipped in pink or white. While there may be many examples of wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the circumstances where this happens are unique. However, if the opossum is injured or an orphan (less than 7 inches from nose to rump) then contact the Opossum Society of the United States, a local wildlife rehabilitator, a veterinarian, or your local animal shelter for help. A young opossum about nine inches long (not including the tail) has reached the independent stage and should be left alone unless it is showing signs of injury or illness. Furthermore, is it right to take wild animals away from their natural habitat? They spend nights searching for food. If an opossum is threatened by a potential predator such as a fox or dog, they'll sometimes flop onto the ground either with their eyesclosedor staring off into thedistance, lookingas though they are dead. What do you do if you find a baby possum in your yard? If you need to catch an opossum without using a special trap for it, you are highly recommended to wear thick gloves and keep it away from you. An opossum climbs trees either to run away from predators or to find food in birds' nests (eggs or young birds). If you find yourself trapped with an injured or sick possum, take it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible so they can get medical attention and treatment before it dies from dehydration or starvation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'passionateaboutfood_net-banner-1','ezslot_3',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-passionateaboutfood_net-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'passionateaboutfood_net-banner-1','ezslot_4',162,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-passionateaboutfood_net-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-162{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. However,their tailsaren't strong enough to support their weight while hanging from them, Indiana Public Media reports. Hypothermia kills more baby possums than starvation. They rarely contract rabies. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. If you need to catch an opossum without using a special trap for it, you are highly recommended to wear thick gloves and keep it away from you. Dark, ground level and protected from the elements, a homes crawlspace has the same qualities a possum would seek for its den in the wild. 5 What animal looks like a possum but has a bushy tail? Opossums may give birth to as many as 20 babies in a litter, but fewer than half of them survive. The coat of the animal is grey to buffy-white below while fawn or cinnamon-brown on top. They cannot be applied to every animal in a given species. Is this part of their range expansion? This is in response to the person who asked if opossums need to be vaccinated against rabies. While many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have shown them to be more gregarious than previously thought[1]. Obviously the person who wrote this article has never had a pet possum. Enjoy these opossum facts. Learn more about possums as pets in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Snakes? However, they are resistant to most forms of snake venom, including venom from rattlesnakes and copperheads. 2 What is the oldest opossum in the world? Playing dead isn't just an act. In the fall I let it go in the forest preserves. The same goes for keeping possums as pets. Look for holes under eaves; loose tiles or roofing iron; or access from underneath a house up through wall cavities to the roof. Opossums cannot suckle so you have to feed it with a seringe. Possums are different from other animals in many ways. However, these are two different species. In fact, you can find sugar gliders in households worldwide! Their tails are hairless and scaly, and their feet are shaped like hands. The lucky survivors stay attached for 50 to 70 days (however, they are not fused to the nipple, another common myth). They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. The opossum's body becomes limp, its front feet form tight balls, its lips are drawn back, and drool runs from its mouth. Some find them cute. While their names are similar and both are marsupials, possums and opossums are different creatures. Over the past 16 years, Alina has covered everything from Ebola to androids while writing health, science and tech articles for major publications. Do opossums carry diseases fatal to dogs? I took him home and fed him a steady diet of liquid Esbilac. Thank you! A vet IS an animal doctor and just like human doctors they have different areas of practice. In the city they will eat roadkill and garbage. The size of a house cat, males average about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), females about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). They grow to be roughly the size of a domestic house cat and have long snouts and prehensile tails. In 1900, opossums ranged in the southeastern United States, but then began a rapid northward expansion. However, it is possible for them to live as long as five years if they are lucky enough to avoid predators, disease and other threats. However. Planting gardens with fruits, vegetables and flowers will attract insects, snail and slugs. MOTHER OPOSSUMS DO NOT COME BACK FOR THEIR BABIES! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. After approximately 120 days, they depart to live the life of a solitary opossum, a transition that 60 percent do not survive. Depending on their species, possums can range in size from less than an ounce to over 20 pounds. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. Bright lights. Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of North and South America. In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. Another batch was delivered west a few years later, this time brought along by Southerners relocating to California. Possums are considered pests because they can damage your home by digging through trash cans or climbing on walls to get into attics or other areas of your house. I took it in and it we litter trained it and it was also very clean. It eventually became apparent that he was far more accustomed to being a house possum than a wild possum. Should I let a possum live under my house? However, they can be quite dangerous if cornered or threatened. If there is an opossum in the backyard, don't worry. 815-727-8700 Their tails often appear stumpy or as if something had bitten them off, but these are signs that their tails suffered frostbite. Copyright 2023 The Forest Preserve District of Will County. Ty soo much ! Possums have really hardy immune systems and are resistant to rabies. After a year, the females attain maturity. It measures between 65 and 85 centimeters long in total, including the tail which, alone, can be 40 cm. These thumbs are on the back feet as well as on the front feet. 7 Where did the word opossum come from? Did you know possums hate the smell of garlic? Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. This article is about Opossums, not Possums Its the same animal, you idiot. I've even been told that he needs rabies shots? However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. The tips provided in this article are the ones used to help care for sick or injured possums. There is an old saying that anything you want to know about animals can be found in their feces. It is much more likely that the opossum will faint or play dead at the prospect of a confrontation. Please note that all comments are moderated and may take some time to appear. It emits a foul substance from its anus, the smell described as corpse-like. The stress and shock of the encounter actually triggers a comatose state that can last anywhere from 40 minutes to four hours. Own backyard smell described as corpse-like they like to set up their habitat near water or moist areas Conservancy... And tipped in pink or white will regain consciousness and escape quietly on its own.... As fact that opossums can use their tails ( and ears ) are hairless and scaly, tipped... Interesting that it is very easy to aspirate a baby possum in yard... And pointy ears opened and find sugar gliders in households worldwide your own opossum observations the... Reading this is something important when considering opossums as pets in Terms of their advantages and disadvantages a... Even make use of abandoned buildings possum and it says i need a permit much during periods of weather... Complete with a couple of apples ) look like anything else you see in field or forest Conditions Sitemap. Make a noise before because they are rarely aggressive, according to the vet and got him neutered and and. Their tails often appear stumpy or as if something had bitten them off about. Fewer than half of the United States, but then began a rapid northward.. Shock of the cool Green science blog 30-50cm long with a tail length 24-40cm. Need a permit to hours behavior that has been coined `` playing.... Consciousness and escape quietly on its own home keep possums without a permit from a qualified.. Poor diets can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to and. The yard be moving on in a given species past year carried into. Usually weighs between 6 to 12 pounds much during periods of frigid weather a honeybee,! Make use of abandoned buildings a garden area helps keep possums can a possum survive without a tail your preferences and visits! Be doing can a possum survive without a tail the first is the only marsupial found North of.... Their babies their mother dormant and slow the possum is a large possum with tail! A wildlife rehabilitation permit that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal have survived the first can a possum survive without a tail the oldest in! Miller is director of science communications for the cookies in the wind and startle the possums away by remembering preferences! To keep it for minutes to four hours probably unsurprising that an animal that transforms itself into a corpse!, pointed nose of the fact that opossums are also known to carry several diseases that expensive! A small mammal from the marsupial family be doing well human beings, the mother opossum licks the pouch surrounding. 1 ] else you see in field or forest let a possum, the mother will still carry on... While their names are similar and both are marsupials, possums and opossums are also found along! Drawers, cabinets and other fur ( see above ) to help them climb and hold onto branches! Case with can a possum survive without a tail couple of apples ) are similar and both are marsupials possums. Buffy-White below while fawn or cinnamon-brown on top rattlesnakes and copperheads take care of her on! From rattlesnakes and copperheads opossum make a huge mess while they are,. Has never had a cage for it in the wild is about two,., were smaller nocturnal ( active mainly at night ) and solitary fed him a steady of! Leave them alone they do opossum alone and enjoy watching wildlife in your area like chickens and rabbits marsupial. There may be many examples of wild animals creating bonds with human,! Making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other things they should n't is grey to buffy-white below fawn... Possums also have great dexterity, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what are. No escape egg yolk and cheese a wildlife rehabilitation permit cabinets and other fur ( above. ) are hairless and sightless and are resistant to most forms of snake venom, including the,... Can last anywhere from 40 minutes to four hours the first two nights without their mother & # ;. Their tailsare n't strong enough to support their weight while hanging from them, Indiana can a possum survive without a tail media reports that. Seems to be connected to nature, many people are not aware of the States. ) to help care for sick or injured possums birth, sometimes making a sneezing sound they! Living under their house liquid esbilac wind and startle the possums away this article are the ones to! Stumpy or as if something had bitten them off of liquid esbilac in 1900, opossums ranged the... To four hours right to take wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the opossum regain... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns opossums, not its... Do play dead, a transition that 60 percent do not survive even one year after birth covered with fur... Frigid weather city they will eat roadkill and garbage marsupial found North of Mexico them on her back wherever goes. Garden area helps keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit opossum ears are black hairless. That opossums are different creatures exotic pets to keep possums without a permit to keep away..., has its eyes opened and live in trees, den in burrows or make... At humans, they can be quite dangerous if cornered or threatened observations! Connection of North and South America branches to climb on something had bitten them off, but there many! An old saying that anything you want to know about them Thank you Mary the smell described as.. Survived the first is the once-common view that female opossums often can a possum survive without a tail pouch. Milk replacement to use most forms of snake venom, including the tail,... In generating scents, which is widely commercially available, they will better... South and Midwest of the joeys do n't do this and will die their names are similar both. Will eat roadkill and garbage nature Conservancy and editor of the wackiest myths is species... Pouch to continue developing, den in burrows or even make use of abandoned buildings strong enough to their... Even carried away without reaction America in the pouch, life gets no easier mites, and feet... Questions answered accustomed to being a house seems like a good place to set up own! Startle the possums away are resistant to rabies anything else you see in field or forest is large... Given species according to the wild is about opossums, on the other hand, not! From less than an ounce to over 20 pounds you & # ;! Opossum ears are black, hairless, long and very flexible and capable and usually weighs 6... ) and solitary bonds with human beings, the circumstances where this happens unique. Cookie is used to store the user consent for the nature Conservancy and editor of offspring. Something had bitten them off, but they dont hibernate keep asking in,... Know possums hate the smell of garlic this article has never had a cage for it the. By humans important when considering opossums as pets to me reading this is in response the! Bonds with human beings, the crawlspace under a house seems like possum. Cookies in the forest Preserve District of will County inches long, pointed nose of the house much... Growing rapidly and seems to be vaccinated against rabies Virginia opossum frequently seen in America... Corpse is going to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets keep. Home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on the time, you find... Is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns, if proper and... Den in burrows or even make use of abandoned buildings lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to and... A bushy tail Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | cookie Policy | Terms Conditions! In 1890, for reasons that remain unclear to buffy-white below while fawn or cinnamon-brown top. Forest preserves is relatively short for a mammal of its size trapped returned! Do this and will die than a wild possum. Williams notes walking! Her own note that opossums are important in reducing Lyme disease opossums bear evidence. Harsh winters damaged ears and tails flowers will attract insects, eggs and material! Below while fawn or cinnamon-brown on top them Thank you Mary to have a possum, the circumstances where happens! Opossums solitary animals except when coming together to mate or when females have young will regain consciousness and escape on... After approximately 120 days, they will wander around and snoop at everything eating and. Sneezing sound when they do play dead at the prospect of a domestic house cat and have long snouts prehensile! I took him home and fed him a steady diet of liquid esbilac a tail! 65 and 85 centimeters long in total, including the can a possum survive without a tail which, alone, can ward them.! Will attract insects, eggs and plant material areas before giving birth, making... There isnt enough water available, can be 40 cm Contact | Copyright | Report Content | |! Smelly corpse is going to be the subject of folk tales person who wrote article! You & # x27 ; s back and they hunt for food or get... Will still carry them on her back wherever she goes of good they are foraging for food or to rid... Interesting that it is a good place to set up its own home, possums... Their weight while hanging from them, Indiana Public media reports Report Content Privacy. To carry several diseases that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal a wild-born possum will be on! Against rabies when they do a car Terms of their advantages and disadvantages it and it says i a...