What's the difference between a possum and an opossum?

Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent .

Why are opossums and possums different?

Here's a tip: Opossums and possums are different animals. Opossums live in North and South America, while possums live in Australia and other countries. Both animals are marsupials, but possums are more closely related to kangaroos.

Is the O silent in opossum?

The O in "opossum" is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter, just like the H in the word "honest." The articles "a" and "an" are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.

Which is bigger opossum or possum?

Possums are smaller than opossums.

With fewer subspecies (and only one in North America), opossums are more uniform in size. They weigh between 8.8 to 13.2 pounds, with a length of 2.5 feet from nose to tail—larger than the common brushtail possum.

Can opossums harm you?

Generally, no opossums are not directly dangerous to people. When encountered directly, the creatures hiss and growl. Opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. More commonly, the opossums pretend to be dead and emit an awful stench from their anal glands when frightened.

Mythbusting Opossum Facts | Backyard Nature

Do possums eat cats?

Opossums do not prey on cats or other larger mammals but will attack them if cornered, or if competing for food. Opossums cause loss to home gardens by eating nuts, berries, fruits, and grapes. They eat pet food left outside and may raid compost bins.

Do possums keep rats away?

They do keep the rats away and keep their population in check. Mice and rats are the major part of the possum's diet or food. So if you have a large population of possums, that will not be a problem. Even keeping them at home is much safer than rats because rats can cause several diseases such as rabies.

Where do possums live during the day?

They are generally nocturnal and they spend the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, or in burrows. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers. Opossums also spend a lot of time slowly ambling about on the ground, and as a result they are frequently struck by cars.

Are opossums good to have around?

Opossums are omnivorous and are beneficial to humans because they cause very little damage and they consume undesirable insects, snails, and slugs. The many beneficial qualities of opossums include: Keeping neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice.

Why did they change possum to opossum?

The possum (scientific name: Phalangeridae) was given its name because of its resemblance to the opossum of the Americas. Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied the great English explorer Captain James Cook, likened the furry creature he saw in Australia to “an animal of the Opossum tribe.”

Can opossums be pets?

Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as exotic pets over the past few years. They are very good pets for beginners due to their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, friendly creatures with easy care requirements—and they're cute!

How smart are opossums?

Opossums Are Smart Critters

For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested, opossums outscored rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs — but not humans. 2 They also can find their way through a maze more efficiently than rats and cats.

Do you pronounce the L in almonds?

More recent standard dictionaries say we can now properly pronounce “almond” either with or without the “l” sound. I consulted American Heritage (4th ed.), Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.), Webster's New World College Dictionary (4th ed.), and the Random House Webster's College Dictionary.

Where do possums sleep?

They sleep during the day in a den in a hollow tree or in an abandoned rodent burrow. >> When opossums are attacked, they will “play possum,” pretending that they are dead; they remain still, they do not blink, and their tongue hangs out.

Do opossums carry rabies?

One important fact to note: Opossums do not carry rabies. It is a common myth that they do, but opossums' body temperature is slightly lower than that of other mammals, and so the rabies virus cannot take hold.

Do opossums live in trees?

The common opossum and Virginia opossum are found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America and Canada. Though they aren't picky about where they hang out, opossums love trees and will stay aloft in trees as much as possible. They also prefer areas that are wet, like marshes, swamps and streams.

Do possums keep snakes away?

If you happen to live in an area that has rattlesnakes or copperheads, you might find that a possum can actually help keep your family safe by keeping poisonous snakes away from your children.

Should I let a possum live under my house?

A: Often times, you do not need to do anything. Opossums are typically harmless animals -- their only defense is to play dead! Likewise, they do not tend to cause structural damage to the foundations of buildings they are living underneath.

What attracts possums to my yard?

They are attracted to your yard whenever food is plentiful, so leaving food scraps in your garbage will definitely keep them around. In most cases, these animals get attracted by odorous and overflowing garbage cans, any containers left outdoors, or uncovered compost heaps.

What is a possums favorite food?

They particularly like berries and fruits such as apples and persimmons. Possums will also eat nuts and seeds, although with less frequency than other foods.

Do opossums climb houses?

Opossums are nocturnal animals with gray fur, a white face, and a long hairless tail. They can climb your house and enter your attic if an opening is large enough. Possums can potentially destroy the insulation in your attic, as well as leaving behind droppings and odor.

Can possums run fast?

With a top speed of about 4 miles per hour, when “running,” opossums appear to be walking quickly, with the tail rotating in circles for balance. When idle, opossums constantly groom themselves, much as house cats do.

What do possums hate?

Sprinkling blood and bone fertiliser around the base of ornamental plants and fruit trees can act as a significant possum deterrent. They hate the smell, and will be less inclined to munch on treated plants!

Do opossums climb trees?

the only pouched mammal in the U.S. and Canada. blessed to have two big toes that act like opposable thumbs. These digits, called halux, help the opossums climb trees with ease. They have this anatomical feature in common with monkeys and other primates.