Ten fun facts about Possums
Fact 1
They weigh about 1.4 to 6.4 kg and are between 65 and 95 cm in length.
Fact 2
Possums are versatile and adaptable. They are efficient swimmers and climbers. They use their sharp claws, tails and mouth to climb trees. They live in holes in the trees.
Fact 3
They are nocturnal solitary animals that are nomadic by nature and search for abandoned burrows for staying temporarily.
Fact 4
Possums feed mainly on leaves, bark, fungi, ferns, fruits, buds and flowers. They also eat land snails, carrion and native birds, invertebrates and eggs.
Fact 5
They have 50 teeth which is more than any mammal.
Fact 6
Life span is 2 to 4 years. The gestation period is 12 to 14 days. Females produce 2 litters in a year. Babies develop in the pouch of their mother.
Fact 7
Possums make smacking noises to attract each other. Baby possums sneeze and hiss when distressed or face danger.
Fact 8
They are resistant to diseases such as rabies because of their low body temperature and efficient immune system.
Fact 9
Possums do not have good eyesight or strong hearing. They however have a sharp sense of smell.
Fact 10
When threatened possums lie motionless or flop on their sides with eyes closed or fixed in one direction. They can remain like this from 1 minute to 6 hours.
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