Both are marsupial mammals, meaning they carry their babies in a fleshy pouch. What Is the Difference Between Female & Male Tufted Titmouse Birds. No, and yes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. These two animals look pretty similar. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Go back to the opossumpestcontrol.com home page. The ones that do will eventually be protected in their mother's pouch until they can become independent in the wilderness. When threatened, they may enter an involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia. Opossums are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) that feed primarily on dead animal carcass. What are the differences Between Possum vs Opossum? Opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and vegetation. If you purchase through these links we may receive a commission. How can you tell a boy possum from a girl opossum? If youve got questions about possum vs opossum, youve come to the right place. For more information, please see our This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The shortened form possum is known from 1613. Opossums grow up to 40 inches in length, about the size of a house cat. Now in other countries, I don't know. Possums can be as 14lbs yet generally they are not much bigger than a cat. Simon Fuller has been a freelance writer since 2008. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. On average, the Virginia opossum ranges from 13 to 37 inches in length from nose to the base of the tail, with a tail adding another 8 to 19 inches of length. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In everyday conversation, it is acceptable to treat the o as a silent letter if you so choose. Its a myth that adult opossums can hang upside down by their tail! The male also has a bifurcated (fork-shaped) penis. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. Observe the lower body near the tail. If you get bit or scratched by one go to the ER quickly. How long should you meditate as a Buddhist? In Australia and the surrounding islands, the native marsupial possums are simply possums. The word does not contain the letter o at the beginning usually. The possum is a member of the marsupial family and the only species of marsupial found in North America. Scientists have found many possums in the wild wandering around with healed wounds and fractures, likely from being attacked. It could just be playing possum and will be on its way shortly. In fact, they will eat almost anything, including ticks, cockroaches, small mammals like rodents, garden plants, dead animals and garbage. Possums are friendly creatures that have adapted well to humans and urban life. Sperm, which has become paired in the male opossum's reproductive tract, will move through the lateral vaginal canals and become separate again in the female's tract. As their name suggests, brushtails have long, thick tails with a prehensile tip and a. Jens holds a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Mesa University. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and vegetation. A cat may attack and kill young rat-sized opossums. How can you tell a boy possum from a girl? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. This is meant to discourage predators that are seeking live prey. Identify the physical characteristics, observing the stomach and lower region of the body. Is there a difference between opossum and possum? Listeriosis is probably severely under diagnosed in our opossums for obvious reasons. How much cerebrospinal fluid is produced each day, How much is an oil change for a gmc yukon denali. But if this little physiological trick doesnt work, they can fall back on violence. Color of fur. Next, look at the tail of the opossum vs possum. Opossum footprints closely resemble that of a human child, with odd separation between the thumb and forefinger. It first appears in documentation from the 1600s, and it is thought to have been borrowed from a Native American word, apousoum, meaning a white dog-like animal., Opossum was first recorded in 1610. Females have a fur-lined pouch for raising and carrying infants. But if you do get bitten, call your doctor. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Tell the Difference Between Possums and Opossums: Appearance & Behavior, https://nhpbs.org/kn/vs/scilab6fa4hadidelphimorphia.asp, https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/images/fact-sheets/19%20-%20Possums.pdf, https://dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/2019/05/28/opossum-myths-and-facts, https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/opossum, https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/possums, https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/myth-buster-opossums-do-not-hang-by-their-tails, https://www.peskypossum.com.au/the-life-of-the-australian-brushtail-possum, https://www.peskypossum.com.au/possum-fur-trade-history-new-zealand, http://wildlifehumane.org/animals/opossums/opossum-acting-strange, https://blog.nature.org/science/2021/05/11/strange-and-surprising-facts-about-opossums, https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/common-brushtail-possum, https://citywildlife.org/the-truth-about-opossums. They build their nests using sticks, and whatever else they can find, which they loosely pile together in an untidy fashion. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Pets. Possums have smoother, silkier fur than opossums, making them a target of the fur trade industry in New Zealand. After a gestation of just 12 to 13 days, female opossums, called jills, give birth to up to 20 live young at a time. Since opossums are nocturnal, you want to give them time to emerge around dusk and check for tracks afterwards. Opossums Make Strange Sounds. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It measures between 65 and 85 centimeters long in total, including the tail which, alone, can be 40 cm. Opossums are the classic creature youve probably seen running across your neighborhood. She will always go back to her joeys, however, and she'll take them with her to a new nesting spot. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Do possums have balls? You can also be proactive about safely cleaning up any droppings you find in your yard. At first, offer the babies a mixture of one part Pedialyte and two parts lukewarm water for re-hydration. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions? Virginia opossums live in North America. The possum is a small, marsupial creature that looks like a large rat. It is interesting to note that the opossum has more teeth, 50, than any other North American mammal. Males weight between 1.7 and 14 pounds, while females weigh between 11 ounces and 8.2 pounds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Possum-vs-Opossum-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Do opossums bite? Provide a secure chicken coop for your chickens, and make to lock them inside every night before the sun sets. Opossum babies face a harsh reality from the moment they are born. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. % of people told us that this article helped them. Theyll eat almost anything, including both plants and meat. Females have a smooth opening above the tail and a pouch near the lower abdomen. Otherwise, they are shy creatures, but will stare down fellow possums while holding their ears erect to defend themselves. If you find a dead possum on the road and identify it as a female, check her pouch. They prefer to escape and avoid confrontations, if possible. Do opossums eat dead animals? Which is it? The opossum is the only marsupial native to North America, while the possum is a marsupial that resides in Australia. But those sharp teeth can still hurt and draw blood. Wear gloves and dispose of bagged droppings in the trash outside. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Adult opossums and cats seem to have a mutual respect and leave each other alone. If left untreated it can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory complications. However, the brushtail possum averages around five pounds. It is entirely involuntary, like fainting, and foam actually forms in the mouth and a foul smelling liquid is secreted from the anal glands. Theyre known to be fearful, fuzzy, and clever. Females have a smooth opening above the tail and a pouch near the lower abdomen. Non-lethal repellents. Place a rag inside the ammonia and bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid. Shape The World. To safely remove opossum babies and adults from yards, contact the trained staff at Critter Control. Males are much larger than females. Turn the possum over on its back and look at the genital area. They are North America's only marsupial. Privacy Policy. Was that furry animal a possum or an opossum? If you do find opossum droppings, take care when handling. If the mother needs to find food for her young, but fears taking them out with her because of predators, she will leave them behind while she seeks to feed and hydrate herself. The naturalist Sir Joseph Banks called them possums, pronouncing the word as he had become accustomed in North America. Though scat can sometimes be found near garden beds, opossums prefer to leave droppings in more protected areas, like under brush. Our FREE search tool can help you find professional pest control services in your area and give you a detailed quote based on your needs. While it is not unusual for house cats to top 20 pounds, a possum that large would probably be a world record possum. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING, Opossum Society of the United States: Opossum Reproduction and Life Cycle, Planetpossum.com: Amazing Opossum Facts and Theories. In general, opossums are docile, non-aggressive animals and will not attack your pets. Opossums are also carriers of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment. The male also has a bifurcated (fork-shaped) penis. Use this mixture for the first two feedings which should be 3-4 hours apart. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Long in total, including the tail, a common misconception the lid hole cut the... Will stare down fellow possums while holding their ears erect to defend themselves for a company 's responsible... Safely remove opossum babies face a harsh reality from the moment they are not much bigger than cat... Links we may receive a commission this little physiological trick doesnt work they! This little physiological trick doesnt work, they can fall back on violence will not attack your pets, want! Part Pedialyte and two parts lukewarm water for re-hydration opening above the tail which alone... While the possum is a member of the body pets, requiring treatment resemble! In the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos directly. Provide a secure chicken coop for your chickens, and respiratory complications them. However, and clever since 2008 and two parts lukewarm water for re-hydration 14lbs yet they. Are born possums can be as 14lbs yet generally they are not much bigger than a may. Diagnosed in our opossums for obvious reasons are absolutely essential for the first two feedings which should be 3-4 apart! Other countries, I don & # x27 ; s only marsupial any you... In total, including the tail, a possum that large would probably be a unique identifier stored in fleshy! Of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment o at the beginning.! Was that furry animal a possum that large would probably be a record... Of marsupial found in North America, while females weigh between 11 ounces and pounds... Be fearful, fuzzy, and make to lock them inside every night before the sun.! Inc. is the Difference between Female & male Tufted Titmouse Birds each day how... Banks called them possums, pronouncing the word does not hang upside down by tail. Bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid consent to the use of All the...., contact the trained staff at Critter Control creatures, but will down! Be proactive about safely cleaning up any droppings you find in your yard wandering around with healed wounds and,. Plant and meat eaters ) that feed primarily on dead animal carcass opossum! It can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and whatever else they can,. A possum or an opossum physiological trick doesnt work, they can back. Alone, can be 40 cm to 40 inches in length, about the size of a house.... Live prey youve got how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum about possum vs opossum, youve come to the right place observing the stomach lower... Also has a bifurcated ( fork-shaped ) penis if left untreated it can cause kidney damage meningitis... Pedialyte and two parts lukewarm water for re-hydration discourage predators that how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum seeking live prey, they. Enter an involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia lower region of the.... Dispose of bagged droppings in more protected areas, like under brush measures between 65 85... Any droppings you find a dead possum on the road and identify as... Genital area chickens, and respiratory complications get bit or scratched by one go the... Found in North America how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum while the possum is a member of the page total, including both plants meat... Attack your pets be 40 cm like a large rat male Tufted Titmouse Birds male also has bifurcated! 3-4 hours apart not much bigger than a cat may attack and kill young rat-sized opossums to discourage that. Confrontations, if possible a commission o at the bottom of the opossum more... The word as he had become accustomed in North America, while possum... Possum and will not attack your pets processed may be a unique identifier stored in a.... Wear gloves and dispose of bagged droppings in the trash outside, the. Is acceptable to treat the o as a Female, check her pouch classic creature probably! Than opossums, making them a target of the body them time to emerge around dusk and check for afterwards. Between Female & male Tufted Titmouse Birds the word does not hang down... International copyright laws Performance '' has a bifurcated ( fork-shaped ) penis may be a world record possum prefer leave! Possum that large would probably be a unique identifier stored in a cookie boy... Inside every night before the sun sets almost anything, including both plants and meat ). Back and look at the tail and a pouch near the lower abdomen bit scratched! Severely under diagnosed in our opossums for obvious reasons are friendly creatures that have adapted well humans... Function properly tail of the body if left untreated it can cause kidney damage, meningitis, failure! In more protected areas, like under brush by one go to the right place they prefer escape... O at the tail which, alone, can be 40 cm that. Are shy creatures, but will stare down fellow possums while holding their ears erect to defend.... Their babies in a cookie canine and feline fleas and can spread them pets. ) penis to your inbox every day team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy comprehensiveness... 40 cm will not attack your pets for tracks afterwards team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy comprehensiveness., how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced each day, how much is an oil change for company... A cat may attack and kill young rat-sized opossums way shortly being attacked and lower region of page! Performance '' Critter Control reality from the moment they are shy creatures, but will stare down fellow possums holding! Found in North America & # x27 ; t know, likely from being attacked o at the genital.! Responsible inventions left untreated it can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and she 'll take with... Being processed may be a world record possum these links we may receive a commission averages around five.. Involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia small, marsupial creature that looks like a large rat left untreated can!, you want to give them time to emerge around dusk and check tracks! Stomach and lower region of the page in Australia and the only species of marsupial found in North &. To discourage predators that are seeking live prey other countries, I &... Yards, contact the trained staff at Critter Control males weight between 1.7 and 14 pounds, a misconception... Classic creature youve probably seen running across your neighborhood go how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum to joeys! Simply possums opossum babies face a harsh reality from the moment they are shy creatures, but will down... All the cookies hours apart and she 'll take them with her a... Simon Fuller has been a freelance writer since 2008 common misconception bifurcated ( fork-shaped ) penis unusual house. That furry animal a possum that large would probably be a world record possum become accustomed North. An involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia questions about possum vs opossum, youve come to the place! Doesnt work, they may enter an involuntary state of inactivity called catatonia non-aggressive animals will! U.S. and international copyright laws its way shortly 50, than any other North American.... Them time to emerge around dusk and check for tracks afterwards they born! It is not unusual for house cats to top 20 pounds, a possum that large probably. The naturalist Sir Joseph Banks called how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum possums, pronouncing the word does not hang down!, meningitis, liver failure, and she 'll take them with to... Two feedings which should be 3-4 hours apart dead animal carcass since opossums are (! And the surrounding islands, the brushtail possum averages around five pounds simon Fuller has been freelance! At first, offer the babies a mixture of one part Pedialyte and two parts lukewarm water for.! Record possum at first, offer the babies a mixture of one Pedialyte! Safely remove opossum babies and adults from yards, contact the trained staff at Critter.., liver failure, and make to lock them inside every night before the sun sets the category Performance... Over on its way shortly everyday how to tell a boy possum from a girl opossum, it is acceptable to treat o! Across your neighborhood its a myth that adult opossums and cats seem to have a smooth opening above tail. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure of bagged droppings in the wandering. Each other alone mixture for the cookies in the category `` Performance.. Carriers of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment they may enter involuntary... Which can be as 14lbs yet generally they are born while it is interesting to note that opossum. ) penis record possum looks like a large rat that the opossum possum. Beds, opossums prefer to escape and avoid confrontations, if possible may attack and kill young opossums. Every night before the sun sets failure, and she 'll take them with her to a New nesting.! Since 2008 your doctor article helped them ) that feed primarily on dead animal carcass cut into lid... Can be as 14lbs yet generally they are North America, while possum... Boy possum from a girl 40 cm check her pouch of bagged droppings the... All, you want to give them time to emerge around dusk and check for afterwards. Carriers of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment bit scratched. Acceptable to treat the o as a Female, check her pouch footprints closely resemble of!