\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. They also have pointed snouts and typically give live birth to one young at a time rather than carry a full litter to term like dogs or cats. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Observe the lower body near the tail. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. Privacy Policy. They spread their toes out when they walk, making tracks that look like little hand prints. The common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, looks similar and lives in South America. The pouch is a small fold of skin with a small opening where the relatively undeveloped fetuses are protected, and which covers the nipples. This is not voluntary but an instinctive response. The world-record opossum tipped the scales at 15.4 pounds. Flea and tick prevention is the best way to keep pets flea and tick free. Common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) live across much of suburban Australia. While it is not unusual for house cats to top 20 pounds, a possum that large would probably be a world record possum. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In addition to size differences, you can tell a male apart from a female by the color of the males chest hair. Some predators will leave the animal alone if they think it is already dead. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Was that furry animal a possum or an opossum? When threatened, they may enter an involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia. Possums and opossums are different animals! Australian possums are much more chill, staring down a fellow possum or marking their territory with strong scents from chest, chin, and anal glands. Additionally, females have a pouch on their stomach for holding newborns. Be cautious if encountering a wild possum. A female possum gives live birth to her young 13 days after gestation, carrying the babies in her pouch for two to three months and on her back for two months. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference. The male also has a bifurcated (fork-shaped) penis. She may even look for a safer nesting spot while she's there. The prehensile tail in action - A young opossum hanging from a tree branch. If using ammonia, pour a small amount of ammonia into a coffee can with a lid. These include grunting, growling, hissing, screeching, clicking and teeth-chattering calls, many of which would not be out of place on a horror movie soundtrack. Opossums actually are good swimmers. Opossums have been known to get into the occasional scrap with curious pets who come too close. Opossums are extremely clean. Motion activated sprinklers can also be effective opossum deterrents. The grey short-tailed opossum is a small, rat-sized marsupial from South America. Its life span is only two to four years -- the shortest of mammals its size. In fact, they will eat almost anything, including ticks. Now in other countries, I don't know. How to Tell Whether a Galician Crayfish Is Female or Male, How to Tell if a Jewel Cichlid Is a Male or a Female, How to Tell the Difference Between Cougar & Bobcat Prints, How to Tell a Male & Female Alligator Apart, How to See if an Armadillo Lizard Is a Boy or a Girl, Physical Differences of Male & Female Chimps. Possums, however, are an entirely different species you dont encounter much in North America. What is the difference between male and female possums? Use a scent repellent in your garden and on your trash cans to keep opossums away. Opossums have excellent memories, recalling past food sources and have shown problem solving abilities in scientific studies, out mazing other species easily! My name is Rebecca and I've been a Professional Freelancer for almost a decade. Opossum Poop: Everything You've Ever Wanted to, Discover the Unique Animal that Can Survive, Opossum Teeth: Everything You Need to Know. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick (vector). If you find a dead possum on the road and identify it as a female, check her pouch. As a marsupial mammal, opossums give birth after a very short gestation (about 15 days) to large litters of tiny, immature babies. Pets can also pick up other diseases, like leptospirosis, from droppings. They are opportunistic scavengers who happily clean up after themselves and everyone else. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 3. Our FREE search tool can help you find professional pest control services in your area and give you a detailed quote based on your needs. Opossums are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) that feed primarily on dead animal carcass. The possum is a member of the marsupial family and the only species of marsupial found in North America. Thank you for reading! Opossums do carry their young around a lot, but there are also times when they will be left in the nest. What are the advantages and disadvantages of video capture hardware? The males may measure up to 36 inches in length, including the tail of 12 to 14 inches. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Opossums have a scaly, nearly hairless rat-like tail.

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