Australia has some of the most unique and exciting wildlife! From the iconic kangaroo to the adorable koala, there are so many amazing animals to discover Down Under.
However, not all Australian wildlife are cuddly because possums have had a problem lately. Their population has exploded, and they are wreaking havoc on the environment. The government is trying to figure out how to control the possum population, but it is not an easy task.
Possums might be cute and cuddly, but they can be pretty destructive. They are known to raid gardens, trash cans, and even attics in search of food. While they are not typically aggressive towards people, they can be a nuisance if they get too comfortable around your home.
In other words, many Australians think of possums as pests because they damage crops and make a mess. However, in Tasmania, people can kill possums for commercial purposes, as long as they follow strict regulations.
Cool Facts about Possums
Possums are fascinating creatures that are often considered pests. However, there are some cool facts about them that you may not know. Let us learn about them.
Diet
The possum is primarily a herbivore and loves eucalyptus. Brushtail possums are tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat trees that other animals find poisonous. They will also eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, birds’ eggs, and baby birds. They particularly like young new plant shoots and, unfortunately, are drawn to domestic gardens, where they will eat a wide variety of plants.
Natural Defence
Possums are often considered pests, but they can be pretty helpful animals. One of the possum’s most fascinating features is its natural defence mechanism. Possums are nocturnal animals; when they feel threatened, they will hiss and bare their teeth. The possum will play dead if that does not scare off the predator.
It may be a weird strategy, but it works pretty well. Possums are not very tasty, so predators often lose interest and move on. Of course, this defence mechanism only works if the possum can fool the predator. If the predator is not fooled, the possum could be eaten.
Habitat
Possums are arboreal animals, which means they spend most of their time in trees. They are excellent climbers and can even hang upside down from branches!
They live in rainforests, eucalypt forests, and other wooded areas near a water source. Possums do not dig underground dens but will reside in tree hollows. The Ringtail Possum builds a nest (drey) several meters above ground in dense foliage. Their nests are lined with leaves, grass, and soft bark.
Behaviour
Possums are nocturnal creatures, so you will most likely see them at night. If you spot one in the daytime, it is because it has been disturbed from sleep. Despite their scary appearance, possums are generally gentle creatures and are not known to attack humans. However, they can be a nuisance if they decide to make their home in your attic or garage!
Conclusion
Possums might be pests, but there are some cool things about them too. Knowing these facts will help you plan an effective possum control.
If you are uncertain how to carry out an effective and humane possum removal, you should contact Gotcha Possum Control. We will take care of this pest without harming it, so contact us now for more information!