

Possums are native to the United States and are usually found in gardens and yards or other human creations such as Barnes and garbage, where they can likely build a nest for themselves. Their tail acts as an additional limb to help them climb and is hairless, just like their ears. With a long white pointed face and a rat-like tail, possums have cute round ears that, unlike their body, aren’t covered in fur and are therefore hairless. They also have a distinct pink nose and a mix of black on the otherwise grey or white coat. Possums are usually white, their fur tending towards grayish. Possums or Opossums are small marsupials, the size of a cat that weighs about 15 pounds and grows to a length of 40 inches. Therefore, every mention here regarding the ‘possums’ is actually directed at the ‘opossums’ and has nothing to do with ‘Australian Possums.’ However, in the U.S., Opossums are generally termed as ‘possums’ (we do not refer to the Australian possums).

Possums are native to Australia, and Opossums are common marsupials native to the United States. Let us clear this first: Possums and Opossums are entirely different animals, although both are marsupials.
#POSSUM HISS HOW TO#
So what next? Well, let us understand whether possums bite humans, what are the risks of your pet being bitten by your dog and how to get rid of possums from your backyard, and much more… Hilarious! Since possums are timid animals, they do not prefer launching an attack but will instead play ‘possum’ or avoid confrontation. Have you heard the phrase ‘play possum’? The reference means to play dead, which is exactly what possums do when they face a threat or intimidation. They generally don’t bite humans or animals, but upon finding no route to escape or competing for food, they might launch attack-mode and bite. However, possums are docile marsupials that prefer escape rather than attack. A LOT.ĭo possums bite? Yes, possums bite.

However, a very common question that often pops up in the mind of any homeowner with their yard infested with possums must be wondering, do possums bite? Well, with those 50 knife-like teeth that these animals may sometimes bear at you, it’s a legit question to ask.īefore we get into more details, discussing possum bites, health concerns, and facts related, let us give you the answer to the one question people have been asking. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.ĭo you have a nice backyard or a blooming garden? Well then, you have someday, or the other, faced the common nuisance that we commonly term as ‘Possums.’ These food-stealing mischievous creatures can be a headache and especially frightening in the night with their serrated mouthful of teeth and white face. "This Photo" by Interestedbystandr is licensed under CC BY 2.0
