| Possums, or as most of us know them, Possums, are considered to be one of the Earth’s oldest surviving members of the mammal family. Dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, experts believe to have found fossils remains found from about 70 million years ago! Identifying a Possum: A Possum (plural form: possums) is any of about 64 small to medium-sized arboreal marsupial species native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (and introduced to New Zealand and China). |
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The name derives from their resemblance to the opossums of the Americas. (The name is from Algonquian wapathemwa, not Greek or Latin, so the plural is possums, not possa.) Possum is also used in North America as a short form of Opossum. The possum's rank odour is due to its large musk glands located behind each ear.
Possums are the size of your typical house cat. Their faces are long and pointed and have round, hairless ears. They are white or grayish with a tale much like a rat. The tracks of an possum resemble a handprint with fingers spread widely. They also have the benefit of opposable thumbs, which are soft and rounded.
Identifying a live possum may be difficult, however, because their most effective defense against predators is to “play dead” (play possum). When threatened, the possum may growl, hiss or screech revealing all intimidating 50 teeth. If this attempt fails and is unable to escape, their bodies will stiffen and mouth will open slightly and will collapse into an involuntary coma. This condition frequently saves their lives because, for most animals, the simple act of killing of prey is part of the allure of the meal, thus the “dead” possum is not appetizing. Once the coast is clear, the possum awakens from his coma and is on his way again.
Damage:
Possums are not generally known to cause damage, however, they are a nuisance, rummaging through rubbish bins near homes, bird feeders and your pets food dish. They are always looking for a new and cozy place to make a “nest” and sometimes that means your attic, garage or an empty void in the wall.
Life Cycle:
Carrying and feeding young in their pouch. After born, the young find their way to the mother’s pouch and remain until about 6 to 7 weeks. Once weaned, young possums will roam until they find an environment where enough food and safety is offered.
Please ask us about our Perth Total Extermination Plan which offers on-demand protective services for specified pests on all areas inside and outside of your home. Telephone for termite inspections in Perth (08) 9313 2871 or info@pestcontrolperth.info for more information about possum control.