What is the main difference between a possum and an opossum?

The main difference is geography and taxonomy: opossums are the white-faced marsupials native to North America, while possums are a separate group of marsupials with pointed snouts and bushy tails that live in Australia and nearby regions.

Are possums and opossums the same animal?

No, they are not the same animal; they are two distinct groups of marsupials that share a name due to historical confusion, but they belong to different families and live on different continents.

Which one is better to have in your yard, a possum or an opossum?

Neither is better to attract, but the North American opossum is generally more beneficial in a yard because it eats ticks, rodents, and carrion, whereas Australian possums are more likely to damage gardens and roofs.

What is the cost difference between keeping a possum and an opossum as a pet?

Keeping either is costly and often illegal, but opossums typically require more specialized veterinary care for their unique physiology, making them more expensive than the similarly challenging care of an Australian possum.

Are opossums dangerous to humans or pets?

No, opossums are not dangerous to humans or pets because they are non-aggressive, rarely bite, and prefer to play dead or flee rather than fight when they feel threatened.

Are possums compatible with living in urban areas?

Yes, Australian possums are highly compatible with urban life because they readily adapt to roofs and gardens, though this close contact often leads to noise and property damage complaints.

What is the most common beginner mistake when identifying a possum versus an opossum?

The most common beginner mistake is assuming they are the same animal just with different spellings, when in fact they are completely different species that evolved on separate continents.

Can I use the words possum and opossum interchangeably?

No, you cannot use the words interchangeably in formal writing because "opossum" correctly refers only to the American marsupial, while "possum" refers to the distinct Australian species.

What is a real-world use case for knowing the difference between these two animals?

A real-world use case is pest control, because knowing which animal is in your attic determines the correct removal method, as Australian possums are protected native species while American opossums are often treated as nuisance wildlife.

Can I switch my pest control strategy from opossums to possums?

No, you cannot switch your pest control strategy directly because the two animals have different habitats, behaviors, and legal protections, so what works for an American opossum will not apply to an Australian possum.

Difference Between

Difference Between Possum and Opossum

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 25, 202619 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Possum and Opossum is that they are different animals from different regions. Possum is an Australian marsupial with a furry tail and pointed face, while Opossum is a North American marsupial with a bare, rat-like tail and white face.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Possums live in Australia and New Zealand; opossums are native to the Americas.
Physical traits: Opossums have white faces, hairless tails, and 50 teeth; possums have bushy tails.
Behavioral difference: Opossums play dead when threatened; possums hiss, growl, and bite instead.
Best-fit use: Say "opossum" for North American wildlife; say "possum" for Australian marsupials.
Common mistake: Using the names interchangeably causes confusion; they are entirely separate animal families.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Possum and Opossum: Comparison Table

Aspect	Possum	Opossum
Definition	A marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi, belonging to the suborder Phalangeriformes.	The only marsupial native to North America, belonging to the order Didelphimorphia, genus Didelphis.
Purpose	Occupies ecological roles as folivore, nectarivore, and seed disperser across forest canopies in Australasia.	Serves as a scavenger and insectivore, consuming carrion, ticks, rodents, and garden pests near human habitats.
Core Mechanism	Uses a prehensile tail and opposable first toes on hind feet for climbing and gripping branches securely.	Uses a bare, prehensile tail for balance but relies on sharp claws and a grasping big toe for climbing.
Body Structure	Has a rounded body, shorter snout, and soft, thick fur with a bushy tail that is often furry.	Has a pointed snout, bare pink tail, and coarse grey fur with white facial markings and a hunched posture.
Size Range	Weighs between 1 and 5 kilograms, with body length from 32 to 58 centimetres depending on species.	Weighs between 2 and 5.5 kilograms, with body length from 35 to 55 centimetres plus a 25-centimetre tail.
Speed	Moves deliberately through trees at roughly 1.5 metres per second, rarely running on the ground.	Ambles at up to 7 kilometres per hour when fleeing, but typically moves slowly and stops frequently.
Accuracy	Grips branches with high precision using a 50% opposable thumb and strong tail wrap for stability.	Has less precise grip, often falls from fences, and relies on trial-and-error when navigating urban obstacles.
Durability	Lives 5 to 8 years in the wild, with thicker fur protecting against cold Australasian winters.	Lives only 1.5 to 2 years in the wild, with thin fur and a short lifespan due to predation.
Scalability	Has over 60 species across varied habitats, from rainforests to alpine regions, showing broad ecological adaptability.	Has just one main species in North America, Didelphis virginiana, expanding northward as climates warm.
Maintenance	Requires no grooming from humans; self-cleans fur using a split toenail comb on each hind foot.	Self-grooms frequently, but has poor hygiene habits, often sleeping in dirty dens and eating spoiled food.
Safety	Rarely carries rabies; body temperature around 35°C is too low for the virus to thrive effectively.	Rarely carries rabies for the same low-body-temperature reason, but hisses and bares 50 teeth when threatened.
Compatibility	Coexists with humans in Australian suburbs, nesting in roof cavities and raiding fruit trees at night.	Adapts to urban environments, living under decks and sheds, but is often trapped as a nuisance animal.
Availability	Found commonly across mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, with high local density.	Found across the eastern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with populations expanding into Canada.
Examples	Includes the common brushtail possum, sugar glider, and ringtail possum, each with distinct dietary habits.	Includes the Virginia opossum as the only North American species, plus several tropical relatives in South America.
Typical Users	Studied by Australian ecologists and wildlife managers focused on forest regeneration and urban wildlife control.	Observed by North American homeowners, pest controllers, and biologists tracking tick-borne disease reduction.
Limitations	Cannot survive freezing temperatures for long periods and relies on stable tree cover for shelter.	Has a low metabolic rate and poor eyesight, making it vulnerable to cars and predators on open roads.
Best-Fit Scenario	Ideal for Australian garden ecosystems where native vegetation and tree hollows are preserved.	Ideal for North American farmlands and suburbs where tick control and carrion removal are needed.
Dietary Range	Feeds on eucalyptus leaves, flowers, fruits, and insects, with some species eating small birds and eggs.	Feeds on insects, small rodents, frogs, fruits, and carrion, with a diet that shifts seasonally by availability.
Reproduction	Gives birth to 1 to 2 joeys per litter, which stay in the pouch for about 5 months before riding on the back.	Gives birth to up to 20 tiny young, but only about 8 survive, staying in the pouch for 2 months.
Defense	Relies on freezing, hissing, and climbing escape, rarely playing dead when threatened by predators.	Falls into a catatonic state, playing dead for up to 4 hours, with mouth open and body limp.
Habitat	Prefers dense forests, eucalypt woodlands, and suburban gardens with mature trees and hollows.	Prefers deciduous forests, wetlands, and agricultural edges, but thrives in any area with water and shelter.
Activity Cycle	Strictly nocturnal, emerging about 30 minutes after sunset and returning to dens before dawn.	Nocturnal but occasionally active at dusk, covering up to 2 kilometres per night in search of food.
Social Behavior	Generally solitary, but brushtail possums share dens in winter to conserve body heat.	Solitary and nomadic, rarely staying in one den for more than a few days unless raising young.
Lifespan	Reaches 6 to 8 years in captivity, with wild individuals averaging around 4 years.	Reaches 4 years in captivity, but most wild individuals die before age 2 from predation or vehicles.
Body Temperature	Maintains a stable 36°C, slightly higher than opossums, aiding activity in cooler climates.	Maintains a low 34.5°C average, which suppresses rabies virus replication and slows metabolic demands.
Tail Type	Has a fully furred, prehensile tail that supports the full body weight when hanging from branches.	Has a bare, scaly tail that is only partially prehensile and cannot support full body weight for long.
Teeth Count	Has 34 teeth, including sharp incisors for cutting leaves and canines for defense.	Has 50 teeth, the most of any North American mammal, used for crushing bones and shells.
Vision	Has forward-facing eyes with good night vision, adapted for judging distances in dark forest canopies.	Has poor daytime vision but improved night sensitivity, relying heavily on smell and touch to navigate.
Climbing Skill	Climbs with agility using a prehensile tail and strong hind limbs, moving easily across thin branches.	Climbs slowly using claws and tail, but often falls from heights above 2 metres due to poor grip.
Geographic Origin	Originated in Australasia, evolving in isolation for over 20 million years without placental competition.	Originated in South America, migrating to North America after the Panama land bridge formed 3 million years ago.
Conservation Status	Several species are threatened, including the mountain pygmy possum, with habitat loss as the main driver.	Listed as least concern, with populations stable or increasing across most of its North American range.

What Is Possum?

Possum is a common name for several small-to-medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. Possums are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their lives in trees. They exist primarily as nocturnal herbivores and omnivores, playing a role in seed dispersal and forest ecology.

Definition of Possum

A possum is any member of the suborder Phalangeriformes, a group of diprotodont marsupials. These animals are characterized by a prehensile tail, opposable clawless first toes on their hind feet, and a diet of leaves, fruits, and insects. They are distinct from the unrelated American opossum.

Key Characteristics of Possum

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Prehensile tail	The tail can grasp branches, acting as a fifth limb for secure climbing.
Arboreal lifestyle	Possums live in trees, rarely descending to the ground except to find food.
Nocturnal activity	They are active at night, avoiding daytime heat and predators.
Marsupial pouch	Females carry and nurse their young in a forward-opening pouch.
Dental formula	They have two lower incisors, a key trait of diprotodont marsupials.
Plant-based diet	Most species eat eucalyptus leaves, fruits, and flowers as staples.
Vocalizations	They produce hisses, grunts, and screams to communicate territory.
Solitary nature	Adults generally live alone, defending a defined home range.
Soft fur coat	Their dense fur ranges from grey to brown, providing camouflage.
Clawless first toe	This opposable toe gives a strong grip, unlike the American opossum.

Common Examples of Possum

Common Brushtail Possum – the most widespread Australian possum, often found in urban backyards.
Common Ringtail Possum – a smaller species with a curled tail tip, native to eastern Australia.
Sugar Glider – a gliding possum with a membrane between its wrists and ankles.
Greater Glider – the largest gliding possum, relying almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves.
Mountain Brushtail Possum – a dark-furred species found in cooler, high-altitude forests.
Leadbeater's Possum – a critically endangered species restricted to Victoria's mountain ash forests.
Green Ringtail Possum – a rainforest specialist with a greenish tint to its fur.
Striped Possum – a New Guinea species with bold black and white stripes.
Scaly-tailed Possum – a rare species with a bare, scale-like tail tip.
Daintree River Ringtail – a recently recognised species found only in Queensland's wet tropics.

Advantages and Limitations of Possum

Advantages	Limitations
Efficient seed dispersers, helping regenerate native forests.	Heavily reliant on specific tree habitats, making them vulnerable to deforestation.
Adaptable to urban environments, finding shelter in roofs.	Considered a pest in cities, causing noise and structural damage.
Low metabolic rate allows survival on poor-quality leaves.	Cannot digest cellulose efficiently, limiting food sources to soft plants.
Nocturnal habits reduce competition with diurnal birds.	Highly exposed to introduced predators like foxes and cats.
Prehensile tail gives exceptional climbing stability.	Terrestrial movement is clumsy, making them slow on the ground.
Forward-opening pouch protects young while climbing.	Gestation is short, but pouch life is long, delaying reproduction.
Vocal communication helps defend territories effectively.	Loud screams at night often lead to conflict with homeowners.
Diverse species occupy varied ecological niches.	Many species have tiny, fragmented populations at risk of extinction.
Soft fur provides insulation against cold nights.	Fur color varies little, offering poor camouflage in non-native settings.
Gliding species cover large distances efficiently.	Gliding requires tall, unbroken forest canopies, absent in cleared land.

What Is Opossum?

Opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. It is a nocturnal scavenger that feigns death when threatened. This defensive mechanism, along with its adaptability, ensures its survival across diverse habitats from forests to urban neighborhoods.

Definition of Opossum

An opossum is a medium-sized marsupial mammal of the order Didelphimorphia, characterized by a prehensile tail, opposable thumbs on hind feet, and fifty teeth. It plays a vital ecological role as an omnivorous scavenger that consumes carrion, insects, and ticks.

Key Characteristics of Opossum

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Marsupial pouch	Carries up to 13 tiny young for two months after birth.
Prehensile tail	Grasps branches for climbing and carries nesting material.
Fifty teeth	More teeth than any other North American land mammal.
Playing dead	Involuntary comatose state lasts minutes to hours.
Nocturnal schedule	Active primarily between dusk and dawn each day.
Opposable thumbs	Hind feet grip branches securely for arboreal travel.
Low body temperature	Runs 94-97°F, making rabies infection extremely rare.
Omnivorous diet	Eats insects, fruits, carrion, and small vertebrates readily.
Short lifespan	Typically lives only 1-2 years in the wild.
Solitary nature	Forages alone except during mating or rearing young.

Common Examples of Opossum

Virginia opossum – The only marsupial found north of Mexico.
Common opossum – Widely distributed across Central and South America.
White-eared opossum – Recognized by distinct white fur patches behind ears.
Big-eared opossum – Inhabits rainforests from Mexico to Bolivia.
Black four-eyed opossum – Named for white spots above each eye.
Brown four-eyed opossum – Found in South American lowland forests.
Gray four-eyed opossum – Prefers dry forests and savannas in Brazil.
Water opossum – The only marsupial adapted for aquatic hunting.
Bare-tailed woolly opossum – Lives high in Amazonian forest canopies.
Guianan brown opossum – Thrives across northern South American woodlands.

Advantages and Limitations of Opossum

Advantages	Limitations
Consumes up to 5,000 ticks per season, reducing Lyme disease spread.	Short lifespan of 1-2 years limits long-term population stability.
Immune to most snake venoms, allowing safe predation on vipers.	Frequently killed by cars due to slow movement at night.
Resistant to rabies due to unusually low body temperature.	Cannot survive harsh winters without adequate fat reserves.
Eats rotting fruit and carrion, preventing waste accumulation.	May raid chicken coops and pet food bowls when hungry.
Adapts readily to urban and suburban environments.	Produces a foul-smelling defensive secretion when stressed.
Controls insect and rodent populations through active hunting.	Vulnerable to dogs, owls, and coyotes as natural predators.
Clears fallen fruit that attracts pest insects to gardens.	Can transmit leptospirosis through urine in contaminated areas.
Requires no human intervention for successful reproduction.	Litters of 6-20 young often suffer high infant mortality.
Possesses prehensile tail for efficient tree climbing escape.	Poor eyesight makes it clumsy and prone to stumbling.
Neutralizes garden pests like slugs, beetles, and grubs.	May hiss and bare teeth aggressively when cornered.

Similarities Between Possum and Opossum

Shared Aspect	How Possum and Opossum Are Alike
Marsupial Category	Both possum and opossum are marsupials, meaning they carry and nurse their young in a pouch.
Mammal Class	Possum and opossum are both warm-blooded mammals that breathe air and give live birth.
Nocturnal Habit	Possum and opossum are both primarily active during nighttime hours to avoid predators and heat.
Omnivorous Diet	Possum and opossum both eat a varied diet of insects, fruits, small animals, and carrion.
Foraging Behavior	Possum and opossum both spend their active hours foraging on the ground and in trees for food.
Solitary Lifestyle	Possum and opossum are both typically solitary animals that only meet to mate or raise young.
Territorial Range	Possum and opossum both establish and defend a home range to secure food and shelter resources.
Tree Climbing	Possum and opossum both use their sharp claws and grasping tails to climb trees effectively.
Prehensile Tail	Possum and opossum both have a prehensile tail that helps them grip branches while climbing.
Defensive Posture	Possum and opossum both use hissing, growling, and teeth-baring to scare off threats.
Feigning Death	Possum and opossum both may play dead when severely threatened, a behavior called thanatosis.
Sharp Dentition	Possum and opossum both possess 50 sharp teeth, the most of any North American mammal.
Five Toes	Possum and opossum both have five toes on each foot, including an opposable thumb on hind feet.
Fur Coverage	Possum and opossum both have a dense coat of gray or brown fur covering their bodies.
Pointed Snout	Possum and opossum both have a long, pointed snout that aids in sniffing out food.
Bare Ears	Possum and opossum both have hairless, rounded ears that are vulnerable to frostbite in winter.
Short Lifespan	Possum and opossum both live a short life, typically only 2 to 4 years in the wild.
High Mortality	Possum and opossum both face high death rates from predators, cars, and harsh weather.
Pest Control	Possum and opossum both help humans by eating ticks, cockroaches, and other garden pests.
Scavenger Role	Possum and opossum both clean the environment by consuming dead animals and fallen fruit.
Adaptable Habitat	Possum and opossum both thrive in forests, farmland, and suburban neighborhoods alike.
Nest Building	Possum and opossum both create dens in hollow trees, brush piles, or abandoned burrows.
Seasonal Breeding	Possum and opossum both breed in late winter or early spring, producing one or two litters yearly.
Large Litters	Possum and opossum both give birth to many tiny young, often 5 to 15 per litter.
Maternal Care	Possum and opossum both nurse their young in the pouch for about two months after birth.
Juvenile Riding	Possum and opossum both carry older offspring on their backs while foraging for food.
Low Body Heat	Possum and opossum both maintain a low body temperature, making them resistant to rabies.
Rabies Immunity	Possum and opossum both rarely contract rabies due to their cooler body temperature.
Hunting Pressure	Possum and opossum both are hunted for their fur and meat, though not endangered.
Ecological Niche	Possum and opossum both fill the role of small, opportunistic omnivore in their ecosystems.

Possum or Opossum: Which Should You Choose?

The single variable that decides it for most people is geography. If you live in North America, the animal is an opossum. If you live in Australia or New Zealand, it is a possum. Your location dictates the correct term, not the animal's behavior.

When to Use Possum

Choose Possum when you are discussing the Australian or New Zealand marsupial, such as the common brushtail or ringtail possum. Use it when writing about New Zealand's invasive pest problem or Australian wildlife. This term applies when the animal has a furry, bushy tail and smaller ears.

When to Use Opossum

Choose Opossum when you are referencing the North American marsupial, the Virginia opossum. Use it when describing the animal with a bare, rat-like tail and white face. This spelling is correct for US wildlife, roadkill, or backyard encounters in North America.

Common Misconceptions About Possum and Opossum

Common Myth	The Reality
Possums and opossums are the same animal with two spellings.	An opossum is a North American marsupial, while a possum is an Australian arboreal marsupial from a different order.
Both animals are native to North America.	Only the opossum is native to North America; the possum lives exclusively in Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi.
The word "opossum" is just the proper scientific term for possum.	"Opossum" refers to Didelphimorphia in the Americas, while "possum" refers to Phalangeriformes in Australasia, two distinct lineages.
Both species hang from trees by their tails.	An opossum can briefly hang by its tail, but an Australian possum lacks the tail strength for full suspension.
Possums play dead just like opossums do.	Playing dead is an opossum defense; an Australian possum typically flees or fights instead of feigning death.
Both animals are rodents with long snouts.	Neither is a rodent; an opossum is a marsupial, and a possum is also a marsupial, unrelated to rats or mice.
Opossums are the ones with the bare, rat-like tails.	An opossum has a bare, scaly tail, but an Australian possum has a furry or bushy tail that looks completely different.
Possums are smaller, cuter versions of opossums.	A possum like the common brushtail is larger than many opossums, with different body shape and fur density.
Only opossums carry their babies in a pouch.	Both an opossum and a possum are marsupials, so both species carry their young in a pouch.
The opossum is a type of possum that crossed the ocean.	An opossum evolved in the Americas, while a possum evolved in Australasia; they diverged over 100 million years ago.
Both animals are nocturnal and eat the same diet.	An opossum is an omnivorous scavenger, while a possum mostly eats leaves, fruits, and some insects.
Possums are found in backyards across the United States.	Backyard visitors in the US are opossums; an Australian possum is never found wild in American neighborhoods.
Both animals hiss and growl when threatened.	An opossum hisses when scared, but a possum typically makes a sharp, aggressive hiss or a loud screech instead.
The opossum has a white face and grey body like a possum.	An opossum has a pointed white face with black ears, while a possum has a rounder face with varied fur colors.
Possums are immune to snake venom just like opossums.	An opossum has partial venom resistance, but an Australian possum does not share this specific immunity trait.
Both animals are solitary and territorial in the same way.	An opossum is solitary and nomadic, while a possum often establishes fixed dens and shows more site fidelity.
Opossums are the only marsupials in the entire world.	An opossum is one marsupial, but a possum and other species like kangaroos and koalas are also marsupials globally.
You can call either animal "possum" in casual conversation.	In North America, "possum" is slang for opossum, but scientifically it names a distinct Australian animal.
Both animals have prehensile tails for climbing.	An opossum has a truly prehensile tail, while a possum's tail is mostly for balance, not grasping branches.
Possums are dirty and carry many diseases like opossums.	An opossum has low rabies risk due to body temperature, and a possum is generally a clean, disease-resistant animal.
The possum is a baby opossum that hasn't grown yet.	A baby opossum is called a joey; a possum is a full-grown adult of a separate Australian species.
Both animals are grey with white faces and sharp teeth.	An opossum has a white face and 50 teeth, while a possum often has a brownish coat and fewer, less prominent teeth.
Opossums are aggressive and attack humans unprovoked.	An opossum is docile and avoids conflict; a possum may scratch if cornered but rarely attacks without cause.
Possums are extinct or endangered everywhere in the world.	An opossum is thriving in North America, while a possum like the common brushtail is abundant across Australia.
Both animals are slow-moving and clumsy on the ground.	An opossum waddles slowly, but a possum is agile and quick, moving nimbly through trees and across ground.
The opossum is a pest that destroys gardens like a possum.	An opossum eats insects and carrion, while a possum may raid fruit trees, causing different garden damage.
Possums have a strong, foul odor like opossums do.	An opossum emits a musky smell when stressed, but a possum has a milder scent and does not spray.
Both animals are related to raccoons and share their habits.	An opossum is a marsupial unrelated to raccoons, and a possum is also a marsupial, not a placental mammal.
You can keep either one as a pet with the same care.	An opossum needs specialized marsupial care, while a possum is often wild and illegal to keep as a pet.
Both animals are called "possum" in every English-speaking country.	Australians say "possum" for their native animal; Americans say "opossum" for theirs, with distinct meanings.

Conclusion

Difference Between Possum and Opossum comes down to geography and spelling: opossums are American marsupials, possums are Australian marsupials. Choose "opossum" for North American wildlife. Choose "possum" for Australian animals. Never swap them.

FAQs on Difference Between Possum and Opossum

What is the main difference between a possum and an opossum?: The main difference is geography and taxonomy: opossums are the white-faced marsupials native to North America, while possums are a separate group of marsupials with pointed snouts and bushy tails that live in Australia and nearby regions.
Are possums and opossums the same animal?: No, they are not the same animal; they are two distinct groups of marsupials that share a name due to historical confusion, but they belong to different families and live on different continents.
Which one is better to have in your yard, a possum or an opossum?: Neither is better to attract, but the North American opossum is generally more beneficial in a yard because it eats ticks, rodents, and carrion, whereas Australian possums are more likely to damage gardens and roofs.
What is the cost difference between keeping a possum and an opossum as a pet?: Keeping either is costly and often illegal, but opossums typically require more specialized veterinary care for their unique physiology, making them more expensive than the similarly challenging care of an Australian possum.
Are opossums dangerous to humans or pets?: No, opossums are not dangerous to humans or pets because they are non-aggressive, rarely bite, and prefer to play dead or flee rather than fight when they feel threatened.
Are possums compatible with living in urban areas?: Yes, Australian possums are highly compatible with urban life because they readily adapt to roofs and gardens, though this close contact often leads to noise and property damage complaints.
What is the most common beginner mistake when identifying a possum versus an opossum?: The most common beginner mistake is assuming they are the same animal just with different spellings, when in fact they are completely different species that evolved on separate continents.
Can I use the words possum and opossum interchangeably?: No, you cannot use the words interchangeably in formal writing because "opossum" correctly refers only to the American marsupial, while "possum" refers to the distinct Australian species.
What is a real-world use case for knowing the difference between these two animals?: A real-world use case is pest control, because knowing which animal is in your attic determines the correct removal method, as Australian possums are protected native species while American opossums are often treated as nuisance wildlife.
Can I switch my pest control strategy from opossums to possums?: No, you cannot switch your pest control strategy directly because the two animals have different habitats, behaviors, and legal protections, so what works for an American opossum will not apply to an Australian possum.