\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! Opossums are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) that feed primarily on dead animal carcass. Male possums are noticeably larger than females, weighing up to 15 pounds and measuring around 28 inches long from head to tail. Color of fur. Opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and vegetation. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Paperback. To defend themselves against predators, North American opossums may hiss and show their teeth, or do something even more bizarreenter an involuntary state called catatonia. They're closely related to kangaroos, and you wont ever see them playing dead. Learn more Whats the difference between possums and opossums? With fewer subspecies (and only one in North America), opossums are more uniform in size. Close off access to the area under your deck or porch and make sure there isnt access beneath your home. 2023 WILD SKY MEDIA. How can you tell the difference between a possum vs opossum? People tend to think Opossums are unclean and disease ridden but it is actually just the opposite. How can you tell a boy possum from a girl opossum? Their bodies are covered in white or grayish hair. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Its a myth that adult opossums can hang upside down by their tail! If she is carrying live young, contact your local Department of Wildlife office immediately. Possums are friendly creatures that have adapted well to humans and urban life. You've probably never heard an opossum make a noise before because they are usually fairly quiet. Not only will they know the best methods, theyll likely also be up to date on current laws surrounding opossum control. I don't know the dialect. If youre unsure of how to best exclude opossums, call pest control. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Males have a skin gland used for chemical communication that stains the chest fur yellow. In addition to size differences, you can tell a male apart from a female by the color of the males chest hair. Australian possums are herbivores, feeding on eucalyptus leaves, herbs, flowers, fruit, and some shrubs. However, even the best swimmers eventually tire out trying to find their way out of a pool, and eventually drown. Opossums are also carriers of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment. The babies, called joeys, are about the size of jelly beans when they are born. Once they are fully grown, the males are noticeably larger than females (though that doesn't help much unless you are familiar with opossums). Pointed ears the body and carrion ( meat ) research and expert knowledge come together an infected tick ( )... 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