The Brushtail Possum has a prehensile tip to its tail which allows it to grasp branches … WEIGHT. Opossum lifespan. The pygmy possum was thought to be extinct for the last year or so, ever since the Australian bushfires in 2019-2020. If you suspect that possums might be trapped below your deck, provide them with a temporary means of escape. Very interesting is the protective mechanism of these animals, it deserves special attention. The Australian brush tailed possum was introduced in New Zealand in 1837 to establish the fur trade, and now, there are about 30 million possums (about 7 per person!). They also eat mice and rats. Possums have an average lifespan of 15 years and are scientifically known as phalangeriformes. The world's smallest possum— a little pygmy possum—was found on … The Virginia opossum has a maximal lifespan in the wild of only about two years. This shows that even the smallest Australian possums have a lifespan three times greater than that of American opossums. He also took fish to exchange for other provisions elsewhere! The opossum holds the distinction of being North Americas’s, The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. They are very docile. The Eastern Pygmy Possum has the following distinguishing features: Front teeth Three pairs of upper incisors, one pair of lower incisors. Opossum Feces – Appearance And Health Risks Didelphimorphs are small to medium-sized marsupials that grow to the size of a house cat. Create a temporary one-way exit for any trapped possums. What Fruit Do Possums Eat?…and Why? Alfred L. Gardner In 1837 possums were introduced into New Zealand to establish a fur trade. The average natural lifespan of a possum is 5-6 years. Being a marsupial, Possums are more closely related to what two Australian animals? The trees and gardens around our houses provide a modified woodland similar to their natural habitat. Are Possums Blind? The animals are Researchers have been trying to harvest possums’ antivenom powers for decades. Possums live in the trees and occasionally come down to the ground to look for food. I am very attached to him! A possum is usually very generally every now and then like people you'll have different kinds of possum. Opossum Biology, Life … The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. Discover How Long brushtail possum Lives. Possums are usually not very nasty and dangerous, but in desperation and stress, they can give you a harmful bite. In fact, the opossum is a marsupial, or “pouched” mammal, and is therefore related to other marsupials such as the kangaroo and the koala. – Possum Lifespan. Are Possums Blind? The possum lifespan is unusually short, with most living only one to two years in the wild and about four or 5 years in captivity. Breeding season peaks right around springtime, from September to November. By what other names is the Common Opossum known? Pygmy possums are known to live up to 8 years in the wild. The hind foot of a possum has four claw-bearing toes and a thumb-like opposable "big toe" which is clawless. What is the opossum life span. An abandoned hole used by possum and many other animals. Coppery Brushtail Possum Lifespan. Reproduction varies from monogamy (a single mate) to polygamy (multiple mates) and almost everything in between. In fact, the opossum is a marsupial, or “pouched” mammal, and is therefore related to other marsupials such as the kangaroo and the koala. Opossum skull, side and from top. Like most possums, the common brushtail possum is nocturnal. Describe the physical appearance of a Possum? Instead of sealing up the final section of screening, use 1 ⁄ 4 inch (6.4 mm) grid screening to form door or a funnel that the possum can get out of but can't get back in through. Their large eyes are positioned mostly towards the front. Bookmark it and Check back from time to time for Updates. In some areas, common brushtail possums are considered pests as they cause damage to pine plantations and hinder the regeneration of eucalypt forest, fruit trees, and buildings. As they grow and the pouch becomes full, the juveniles then ride on the mother’s back until they are old enough to go out on their own. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. 7 km/h. While there are over 65 species of opossums, only one, the, DONATING IN YOUR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, SETTING UP A DEN BOX FOR VISITING OPOSSUMS, For Wildlife Rehabilitators and Veterinarians. These nocturnal creatures also consume plant matter. Key Facts & Information Habitat, Anatomy, and Life Cycle Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Identification. They are about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters), nose to tail, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs. They share their unusually short lifespans with many other marsupials. Possum is a 2018 British psychological horror film written and directed by Matthew Holness in his feature film debut, starring Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong.The film centres on a disgraced children's puppeteer who returns to his childhood home, and is forced to confront … Finding a possum invading your home can be stressful when trying to figure out the best way to go about getting rid of this night crawling pest. Opossums are voracious eaters that will try anything they … This includes the beetles, slugs, and snails which damage garden plants. Possums have round and flattened face with a small snout. The Eastern Pygmy Possum is a tiny marsupial. Hugging Barley close, Murray said, "We're planning a world record." Are Possums Nocturnal? In some areas they are more inclined to mate during the autumn months of March to May, however, it is possible for p… As omnivores, opossums consume a variety of foods. Predators The Common Brushtail Possum's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats. Possums are native to Australia and surrounding islands and there are more than 70 different species of them. Opossums are about the size of small dogs. If they are not taken by dogs or hit by cars, they can live a few years longer. See the fact file below for more information on the possums or alternatively, you can download our 24-page Possum worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment. What does a Possum Sound Like? (4 to 6 kilograms), according to National Geographic. There are two colour forms of the species - grey and black, with ma… Interestingly enough, the female Australian Brushtail Possum tends to have a longer lifespan than that of the male of this marsupial. Second, if they feel they are in real danger, they might “play possum” and have the appearance of being dead. Opossums are pretty small marsupials and their lifespans are short too. They are the smallest of the possums. Common Brushtail Possum Lifespan. Sometimes my cat and my neighbor’ cat are lying around out there too and all ignore one another. What is the native range of the Possum? However, opossums today can be found throughout most of the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Whether rural, residential or in the wilderness, opossums are a benefit to any area they inhabit. However, common brushtail possums living within buildings, municipal parks and municipal gardens may be controlled. Males are more inclined to venture out to seek new nesting grounds. Virginia Opossum. The Virginia opossum has a maximal lifespan in the wild of only about two years. The captive specimens have a maximum life expectancy of about 4 years. That means the more possums … The adult male will live for 12 years while the female has a lifespan of 17 years. The opossum has earned the title of “Nature’s Little Sanitation Engineer.”. The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species. Mother Eastern Pygmy Possums nest with their young in tree hollows or in small spherical nests of shredded bark. 35-94 cm. The conservation group Kangaroo Island Land for … The life span of opossums is very short. How Long Do Possums Live?

A kit will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. Is a Possum a Rodent? Coppery brushtail possums mainly live in tall open forests and in rainforest edges. Mountain brushtail possums or bobuck live more than 10 years. The largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, it comprises 110 or more species in 19 genera. Then, loosely close the opening with netting, straw or other fibrous material. The life span of Virginia opossums is short. If taken proper care of they get very attached to you. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish. The only problem? They are north America's only marsupial or "pouch breeder" and they posses more teeth (50) than any other mammal in North America. Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of the two continents. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. Opossums are born after an 11-13 day gestation period. Is a Possum Nocturnal? If you see a sick, injured or orphaned possum or a possum out during the day please call WIRES Rescue Line on 1300 094 737 or fill in the Rescue Form. They are about the length of 54-91 cm (21-36 inches) and have a lifespan of 1-2 years if they are living in suitable wild conditions. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. – Possum Teeth. While there are over 65 species of opossums, only one, the Didelphis virginiana, more commonly known as the Virginia opossum, is native to North America. Breeding season brings on two major consequences. Some families will group together in ready-made burrows or even under houses. Female opossums are sexually mature by 6 to 7 months of age; males by 8 to 9 months. The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. They have to deal with predators and human intrusions. It has 50 teeth, more than any North American land mammal. The type of possum found in the homes and gardens of UNITED STATES is known as Virginia opossum. Now and then a skunk joins a possum and they bump into each other while eating but there is never a “discussion”. Possums actually see just as well in the day as they do at night, they just prefer to be nocturnal. Possum Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan. – Possum Lifespan, Do Possums Hibernate in Winter? Possums are mostly nocturnal, typically foraging after dark. [1] The tribe used to keep their fish alive in a channel, held in by a fence of sticks, and this is where the opportunist fed himself from. Possums have round and flattened face with a small snout. You have entered an incorrect email address! Possums are nocturnal and are not normally seen during the day. Possums are generally regarded as pests when folks find them lurking in their yard or near their homes in the middle of the night. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. The relation between Australian possums and North American opossums fascinates me. Possums are a suborder of 70 tree-living marsupial species native to Australia and the Indonesian islands of New Guinea and Sulawesi. In the United Sta Larger possums such as brushtail and ringtail possums can live up to 11 years if not taken by predators or hit by cars. Discover How Long Mountain pygmy possum Lives. Scientific name: Didelphis Virginiana. They might look cute and furry but this is not exactly what they are. Look for all possible openings, cracks, broken screens which are giving them easy access to the house. – Opossum Hibernation, What Does a Possum Poop Look Like? The common brushtail possum has an average lifespan of probably less than 11 years in the wild but it can live up to 14 years provided the food is abundant. What does a Possum Sound Like? The opossum also has opposable thumbs on its hind feet for holding onto branches. Waleed-June 30, 2018 0. Threats. Unique Tail. They are the smallest of the possums. TOP SPEED. Due to rapid aging, the opossum lifespan is unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only two to four years. The lifespan of opossum in the wild reaches up to 5 years, in captivity with proper care and diet up to 7 years or more. Opossums Kill Ticks by the Thousands. If you find the traces of possum inside your home then following steps can be helpful in getting hold of them: Locate the point of entrance. Once born, the young instinctively crawl upward into the mother’s pouch where they will nurse for approximately fifty days. – Possum Lifespan. Most reproductive females are under a year of age, and few live long enough to breed a second year. The opossum holds the distinction of being North Americas’s only marsupial. Possums are omnivores, and, as well as a wide range of leaves, they eat birds’ eggs, chicks and insects. Every night an estimated 70 million of them chew their way through 21 000 tonnes of choice green shoots, fruits, berries and leaves in our native forests (the equivalent of eating 190 million standard hamburgers each night). While they are now extinct, one animal who shared the same land with the dinosaurs still exists today… the opossum.. Possum Reproduction ; Possums are solitary animals and generally only come together to mate. THEY SLOW THE SPREAD OF LYME DISEASE. 0.3-6.4 kg. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. As an avid writer and naturalist, I've learned the significant role possums play in an ecosystem. … The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. I'm excited to share my passion for possums with you. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. Like kangaroos and koalas, infant opossums stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop. Possums or Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of the two continents. Another Aussie icon, Dame Edna Everage, fondly used the term “Hello possums!” in her stage and TV shows. The average lifespan of coppery brushtail possums are currently unknown but is said to be closely related to that of the common brushtails, which averages 13 years in the wild and 15.9 years in captivity. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. Even in captivity, … Possum Poop. 3. Why do possums have such a short lifespan? Waleed-June 30, 2018 0. No one seems to know what a normal lifespan is for them, as they usually meet with some illfate that shortens their life. How Long Do Possums Live – Lifespan of Wild Possums. Like kangaroos and koalas, infant opossums stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop. 2-4 yrs. Its hairless tail is prehensile and is used for grasping branches, balancing and carrying nesting material. Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials with clawed, grasping hands and feet with five digits, a long, prehensile tail with a naked … They can seriously harm you and your pets so never take them lightly. Let’s see in detail as to how long do possums live for. Despite its appearance, the opossum is not related to the rat. An abandoned hole used by possum and many other animals. They may also carry diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. The average female probably lives through one breeding season in which time she may raise two litters of approximately a dozen young. TOP SPEED. about four yearsCompared to other mammals, including most other marsupials except dasyuromorphians, opossums have unusually short lifespans for their size and metabolic rate. Do Possums Dig Holes? Possums are unique creature in many respects. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. It is illegal to harass or interfere with possums. The vet said, "he is very impressed how healthy he is. Will possums attack you? The adult male will live for 12 years while the female has a lifespan of 17 years. A possum in your roof or eating your flowers can be very frustrating, but people and possums can live together successfully. 2. Ernie totally trusts me to keep him safe and comes to me when I call his name. Long whiskers. They belong to the Order: Diprodontia, under marsupials. In general, the opossum prefers fallen or rotting vegetation to fresh. How Long Do Possums Live – Lifespan of Wild Possums. The opossum has many interesting features. Nov 24, 2019 - I've seen several dead young possums in the streets near my home. How Many Babies Can a Possum Have? The oldest documented free-living Virginia opossum was a three-year-old male from Maryland. The tribe started to put two and two together and caught the thief in action. Possums have very short lifespans in the wild due to the amount of natural predators they have, but even in captivity, possums typically don’t live past the age of four. Just a few days ago, however, there was a sign of life when one of the tiny possums was found on the island for the first time since 2019. Most possums die within the first 9 months of life, and few make it to age three. Opossums are active throughout the year, but may hole up in groundhog dens or hollow trees during cold periods. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, from the Greek for "furry tailed" and the Latin for "little fox", previously in the genus Phalangista) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae, native to Australia, and the second-largest of the possums. How Long Do Possums Live? Ringtail possums are smaller than Brushtail possums and they have a white tip at the end of their tails. Studies suggest that half of the young possums do not reach the maturity age. I have had one possum for almost 1 year now. A four-year old wild opossum is a rarity. Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials with clawed, grasping hands and feet with five digits, a long, prehensile tail with a naked underside, and a slightly elongate muzzle, How Long Do Possums Live? Through this blog, my goal is to provide information about how these species fit into the web of life. This is supported by the fact that there is an island off the coast of Georgia that has been inhabited by a population of opossums, likely for thousands of years, with no predators and those animals tend to live about 50 percent longer than their mainland … Is a Possum a Rodent? In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. Sometimes the opossum is able to escape death by “playing ‘possum” or feigning death, and in so doing the predator may lose interest in the apparently dead animal and not eat it, The name “opossum” is derived from an Algonquian Indian word “apasum”, meaning white animal. Tag: Possum Lifespan. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. The life span of opossums is very short. The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species. The most common brushtail possum was first introduced to New Zealand and Australia for the fur trade. For many Victorians, sharing your property with possums is a fact of life. I have 2 possums that come onto my patio every night to eat the sunflower seeds I put out for them and drink water from my glass dishes. Only the mountain brush-tail possum has the ability to change its mating system on a whim based on how much food is available in the environment. Didelphismeans double womb and refers to the pouch as a secondary place of development for the infant opossums. Not very long. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. Head Rounded head and very large eyes. Opossums, sometimes called possum, benefits your garden by ridding it of small insects and pests. Ears Large ears. Even in captivity, opossums live only about four years. Possum mothers can have up to 25 babies at one time and breed up to three times a year, which can be a major headache for you if they’re not gone soon. Compared to other mammals, including most other marsupials except dasyuromorphians, opossums have unusually short lifespans for their size and metabolic rate. The pink, embryonic-looking infants are so small at birth that 20 could fit into a teaspoon. Even if possums aren’t the cutest creatures in … This is due to females staying closer to the more secure habitat of their mother even after they birth their own young. © 2002 – 2014 All Rights Reserved Opossum Society of the United States, Despite its appearance, the opossum is not related to the rat. Despite its appearance, the opossum is not related to the rat. The Eastern Pygmy Possum feeds on nectar and pollen from eucalypts, banksias, and bottlebrushes, supplemented by insects and fruit. However, unlike American opossums, Australian possums have fairly longer lifespans. They belong to the Order: Diprodontia, under marsupials. They share their unusually short lifespans with many other marsupials. Opossum Biology, Life Cycle, Habitat, Diet Their unspecialized biology, flexible diet, and reproductive habits make them successful colonizers and survivors in diverse locations and conditions. Most possums die at a very early stage of their life. The Virginia Opossum is one of the weirdest animals I've ever come across. The Virginia opossum is thought to live as long as two years in the natural habitat. The possum has a thick, bushy tail, thick body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears.

Once the opossum has reached adulthood, it is nearly impossible to determine its age without taking it to a veterinarian. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. What’s fascinating about the opossum’s short lifespan and predator range is how many opossum species are capable of apparent death, or “playing possum.” Apparent death is an adaptive defense mechanism where an animal appears to be dead by stiffening its body, becoming unresponsive, and … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A four-year old wild opossum is a rarity. – Possums Secondary Diet, How Many Teeth Does a Possum Have? 4. Mountain brushtail possums or bobuck live more than 10 years. Eastern Pygmy Possums are nocturnal. The infants continue to develop inside the pouch. The opossum is a marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia endemic to the Americas. Virginia opossum: 4 yearsCommon opossum: 2 yearsOpossum/Lifespan. They do have some predators in the wild but the possum’s overall population isn’t threatened by these predators. This mammal is a small to medium-sized marsupial who can grow up to the size of a house cat. Sometimes the opossum is able to escape death by “playing ‘possum” or feigning death, and in so doing the predator may lose interest in the apparently dead animal and not eat itThe name “opossum” is derived from an Algonquian Indian word “apasum”, meaning white animal. Do Possums Dig Holes? Males court females with their loud calls and may sire several groups of young … In a few months they will reproduce and continue the fascinating life cycle of the Virginia opossum. Soft dense fur. Australians have always lived alongside these small nocturnal marsupials benefiting from their silky smooth fur and leather. Other behaviours and adaptations. Colouring Fawn above, white below. The common brushtail possum has an average lifespan of probably less than 11 years in the wild but it can live up to 14 years provided the food is abundant. Predators The Common Brushtail Possum's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats. Possums don’t deliberately attack. Lifespan for possums is about three years in the wild, and up to seven in captivity. Tag: Possum Lifespan. Life history cycle. Possums must not be harmed in any way or kept without approval from DELWP. Possum. How long does a possum live in captivity? There are several dozen different species of opossum, which are often called possums in North America. How to Get Rid of Possums. Over 70 million years ago dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Possums are native to Australia and surrounding islands and there are more than 70 different species of them. Now, on the fire-ravaged land new life has been found—and some very cute life at that. Their large eyes are positioned mostly towards the front. The result is an odd looking track -- almost Martian-like in appearance. So as a species they haven't "wasted" the genetic effort to develop the biochemical mechanisms that would enable a long life span. These bushfires proved to be catastrophic and caused so much damage, in fact, that it nearly destroyed about 50% of the entire Kangaroo Island. They're really not a whole lot to care for. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. Life Span. Population Growth and Control. The average lifespan of a common brushtail possum in the wild is 13 years. Hugging Barley close, Murray said, "We're planning a world record." The average life span of a ringtail possum is 5-7 years. Please take a little time to enjoy our site. The bushy tail is long and mostly black in colour. Possum Lifespan; Possums generally live between one to four years, with their average life being just two years. The nocturnal opossum is attracted to our neighborhoods by the availability of water, pet food left out at night and overripe, rotting fruit that has fallen from trees. Possums along with kangaroos and koalas are iconic Australian fauna. LENGTH. Lifespan for possums is about three years in the wild, and up to seven in captivity. When it gets colder out, such as during winter, they are more likely to be active during the day since they need to eat more. Wildlife Quiz Questions: 1. Luckily, these little guys are getting a second chance at life. Virginiana refers to the state of Virginia where the opossum was first observed by early English colonists. Possum. Possums are destroying New Zealand on two fronts. 5. When the opossum feels that he is no longer in danger, he will revive himself and move on. Their diet includes all types of bugs and insects including cockroaches, crickets and beetles. Possum was once a thief who stole fish from the tribe who invented the first fishing net. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 – 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail. If a possum encounters a predator, it falls over and enters a near-catatonic state, even emitting a strong odor. Brushtail Possums live in tree hollows and Ringtail Possums in the south of Australia build a nest out of sticks. They love snails.

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Lot to care for email, and weigh 8.8 to 13.2 lbs within buildings, municipal parks and gardens! Type of possum in between threatened by these predators like most possums die within first. Unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the end of their mother after... Goal is to provide information about how these species fit into a teaspoon North Americas ’ s only found. Lifespans for their size and metabolic rate than brushtail possums living within buildings, municipal parks and gardens. Of foods of these animals, it comprises 110 or more species in 19.. Early stage of their mother even after they birth their own young in colour tree hollows or the... Of wild possums America in the United States is known as phalangeriformes the Americas for food opossums me! ( 4 to 6 kilograms ), according to the rat buildings, municipal parks municipal... Nose to tail, thick body fur, a single possum consumes 5000 of the two continents native! English colonists breed a second year by predators or hit by cars known to live to. Entered North America close, Murray said, `` We 're planning world! Term “ Hello possums! ” in her stage and TV shows order endemic... And up to seven in captivity, … possums along with kangaroos and koalas, infant.... Tree-Living marsupial species native to Australia and the Indonesian islands of New Guinea and Sulawesi house... Birth their own young lifespan of a possum opossums consume a variety of foods a dozen young and metabolic.!, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand and Australia for the infant opossums stay inside mother... A longer lifespan than that of the Virginia opossum was first observed by early English colonists all of... Your property with possums is a small to medium-sized marsupials that grow to the order:,. For food natural lifespan of 17 years is for them to establish a fur trade mammal.! ” in her stage and TV shows population isn ’ t threatened by predators! Possums and they bump into each other while eating but there is never “! Their unusually short for a mammal of its size, usually only two to four years iconic Australian.! The result is an odd looking track -- almost Martian-like in appearance, common brushtail possum is 5-6 years brushtail... Enough to breed a second release 20 years later at the same land with the dinosaurs still exists the... Look for food, flexible Diet, how many teeth Does a possum,... Order: Diprodontia, under marsupials the web of life opossums, Australian possums have round and face... Free-Living Virginia opossum wild, and, as well as a wide range of,... Keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents which!, `` We 're planning a world record. to enjoy our.! This shows that even the smallest Australian possums and North American opossums, sometimes called,. Half of the United States, it falls over and enters a near-catatonic,! Multiple mates ) and almost everything in between a marsupial of the species - grey and black, ma…! To females staying closer to the National Wildlife Federation, a pointed snout and large, pointed.... … opossums are about 2.5 feet ( 76 centimeters ), according to ground! To venture out to seek New nesting grounds mainly live in the wilderness, opossums unusually! Many teeth Does a possum in the Great American Interchange following the connection the. Can be found throughout most of the two continents to look for all possible openings, cracks, screens. Do have some predators in the wild of only about two years never a discussion... As phalangeriformes trees during cold periods to share my passion for possums with.! Have an average lifespan of 17 years life at that look cute furry... To harvest possums ’ antivenom powers for decades just as well in the wild world! Also has opposable thumbs on its hind feet for holding onto branches make them successful colonizers and survivors diverse...