05/05/2020
Even in the middle of the biggest Australian cities, somewhere not too far away, there will be a possum. Ringtail or brushtail, possums are among the most versatile and adaptable of Australia’s marsupials; living much of their lives over our heads in the suburbs, and even under our roofs. 🌿
Native to Australia, possums can be found in other countries around the world too.
At night they emerge from their nests known as dreys and criss cross their suburban territories in search of food, over rooftops, through treetops, and along power lines and fences avoiding the ground where they risk dog attack or being hit by a car.
Possums are mainly herbivores (plant eaters) favouring eucalyptus, wattle, leaves, fern, buds, flowers and fruit. They are also known to eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, birds eggs and even baby birds.
While possums are usually wary of people and do us little harm, they can make nuisances of themselves by eating fruit and flowers from our gardens and, in the case of the brushtail possum, by taking up residence in the ceiling space of our homes.
By taking a few simple steps, like possum proofing your home (and even providing a nest box), brushtail possums can become a harmless, welcome sight; and living proof that people and wildlife can be good neighbours.
Having a possum nesting box in your nearby trees is a great way to encourage these nocturnal marsupials to stay where they belong and out of your roof.
Possums prefer to nest in hollows in trees however it can take decades or even centuries for a natural hollow habitat to form and possums have fierce competition from others.
Installing habitat you have helped to create can be very beneficial to both humans and possums! Your children will love decorating the nesting box too with pictures of possums. Enjoy crafting ‘Junior Carpenters’ (A person who builds and constructs using materials).
Enjoy ! 😃
