![]() Thus suburban gardens, with their abundance of fruit trees, roses and vegie patches, provide a “possum supermarket”, conveniently offering a diverse array of tasty, nutritious foods year round – much to the frustration of many gardeners! They also sometimes eat insects and bird eggs. ![]() Unlike specialised eucalypt feeders like the koala, brushtail possums eat the leaves, flowers and fruit of a range of native and exotic plants, as well as Eucalyptus leaves. Peter Firminger/Flickr, CC BYĪnother reason that brushtail possums have adapted so successfully to our cities is their generalised diet. A single roof can provide a home for many cohabiting possums, although disputes among roommates may become raucous.Ībundant food and a broad palate mean people and possums were made for each other. In fact, urban possums seem to prefer living in human-built structures, even when hollow trees are available. In contrast, suburbia provides an abundance of potential nesting spaces. Dens are often in limited supply in the bush and possums will compete for nesting sites, sometimes fighting to the death. ![]() In contrast, they appear to be flourishing in our cities.Ĭommon brushtail possums are territorial creatures, usually sleeping alone during the day in dens in tree hollows, rock piles or logs. Since the end of hunting, habitat degradation and fragmentation, fires and fox predation have put further pressure on possum populations. However, intensive hunting for a burgeoning fur trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a drastic decline in possum numbers. Peter Firminger/Flickr, CC BY Possums in the cityĪt the time of European arrival, common brushtail possums were abundant across mainland Australia and Tasmania. In fact, one study of possums in urban Tasmania found that 87% of their visits to dens were associated with buildings (mostly older houses), while 45% of den visits were to roof cavities.Ī young possum discovers pineapple, via mum. The biggest hidden housemate?ĭespite being the same size as a domestic cat, these lively, nocturnal marsupials frequently make their dens in the ceiling and wall cavities of homes. Although often associated with bushland environments and commonly considered a tree-dweller, these adaptable creatures are also highly attracted to human houses. 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”.Ĭommon brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula) live across much of suburban Australia. Researchers have documented 18 different brushtail possum sounds. But never fear, if your home is making these noises you probably don’t have ghosts, but a family of common brushtail possums. You’re drifting off to sleep when, suddenly, there’s a bump and a thump and an unearthly shriek.
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