Possums are nocturnal animals that are asleep during the day. Do not be alarmed if you experience hissing, growling, screeching, thumping and other such scary sounds. Do not worry and assume your house to be haunted by ghosts! There are high chances of these sounds resulting out of a possum family in your roof, attics, or chimneys. Australia alone has 23 different varieties of these animals.
Suburban spaces tend to offer possums with plenty of spaces and spots for hiding and sleeping. So, if you are an Australian resident, you may find possums entering your territory more than often. Despite that, residents and apartment-owners are likely to know nothing much about these protected species. Let’s understand more about possum behaviour and characteristics:
Possums, those fascinating marsupials known for their unique behaviors and adaptability, have a mysterious sleeping routine during the day. In this article, we will explore the key factors that influence where possums sleep during the day, consider the tradeoffs involved, discuss the challenges associated with different approaches, and emphasize the importance of considering their impact. So let’s dive into the hidden world of possum slumber!
Understanding Possum Behavior
Possums are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during nighttime. However, during daylight hours, they require safe and secure places to rest and sleep. The choice of their daytime hideouts is influenced by several factors such as safety, protection from predators, temperature regulation, and accessibility to food sources.
Natural Habitats
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Trees and Nests
Possums are arboreal animals that prefer to sleep in trees or within nests during the day. They have adapted to life in trees due to their excellent climbing abilities and prehensile tails.
Hollowed tree trunks or branches provide secure spots for them to rest undisturbed by predators. Moreover, nests made of leaves, grass, or other natural materials offer insulation against extreme temperatures.
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Dens and Burrows
In some cases, possums may seek refuge in dens or burrows during daylight hours. These dens can be found in various locations such as rock crevices, hollow logs, brush piles, or abandoned animal burrows. Dens provide additional protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
What Do Possums Look Like?
People oftentimes get confused between possums and rodents. However, both are 2 different pests who cause widespread harm to human habitats and households. It is important as home-owners to be aware of some important characteristics about possums. Mentioned below are some points that may help you understand how possums really look like:
- Possums are the size of a house cat. They have a pointed nose, and big brown and beady eyes. They have a hairy body and a bushy tail.
- Possums also have sharp claws which help them in climbing trees and grooming their fur. They also use these claws to attack any animals to protect themselves.
- The fur that possums have is golden, brown, grey, white or black in colour.
- Possums in Australia are about 1-2 feet long and weigh between 2-10 lbs.
- Australian possums are highly adaptable and can survive in urban, semi-urban and semi-arid regions. Some of their species also have adjusted to co-exist with humans which is why they can live easily in backyards, camping areas, and ceilings of the house etc.
When Do Possums Sleep?
Possums sleep roughly for 15-18 hours in a day. Since they are nocturnal creatures they are active at night and need to get the most sleep during the day. It is a rare sight to find a possum active during the day. It will forage for food in the day only during winters when it becomes impossible to venture out at night for the same. In normal times, they become agile and active after sunset.
Where Do Possums Sleep During The Day?
Female possums with babies alone are known to occupy the same nest for a long time. The others prefer to keep changing the places they sleep in to protect themselves from getting hunted. These are some common spots used by possums for sleeping during the day:
- Ringtail possums are known to sleep in hollows of trees that are a result of fungi. These possum species make nests for themselves in the tree by piling up dried leaves.
- Some species are known to sleep on rock ledges, fallen logs, tree trunks as well.
- Pygmy possums prefer sleeping in cavities of walls and nests of small birds made out of tree barks. They can also sleep in rodent burrows that have been abandoned and empty.
- Possums can also sleep inside caves, attics, and dilapidated building structures. They dislike light, and so they prefer dark places that are free of light. Any place that has darkness and safety will be highly preferable by possums for sleeping in.
- The Common Brushtail Possums that are the second-largest species of possums in the world are known to sleep in caves, hollows of trees and roofs.
- Common Spotted Cuscus sleeps on tree branches, rocks, and below roots of trees.
- You are also likely to find possums sleeping in your attic or crawlspaces during the day. They also make nests in building structures that do not have human habitat.
- Possums create burrows for themselves using branches, grass and dried leaves. They also use garbage to keep the space warm.
- Possums also can use barns and sheds in properties for sleeping. These places offer them with the necessary darkness and protection from being discovered by their predators.
- Rock crevices are also a common spot used by possums for sleeping. These spots are secure and narrow. They can hardly be accessed by their predators.
Possums are shy and non-aggressive creatures. They will not attack you until and unless they feel threatened. They have been granted the status of being a protected species by the Australian government owing to their reducing numbers due to hunting and loss of natural habitat.
In compliance with the Wildlife Act 1975, we employ specialists who are proficient in legally and humanely removing possums from your premises
Contact your nearest possum catcher if you happen to come across possum colonies in your home. we have the certifications and legal permissions to handle these pests and relocate them from your home. Professional Possum Removal are also aware of the norms and regulations involved in relocation of these animals. Hence, it is best to leave the job to the experts.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog post has been diligently fact-checked and written by Nicholas Willmore, an esteemed Australian expert in the pest control industry
