Peculiar little animals called possums live all over the world. These mammals are not actually squirrels, opossums, or even rats — they’re actually relatives of the pig and the rat. However, they look quite different from both their cousins and other rodents. With a small body shape, long ears, and thick fur, this animal is often mistaken for a rodent.
You might come across one in a residential neighborhood or on a rural road where there aren’t many people. Or you might see one hanging around an animal mill or dump site. If you’ve ever wondered what makes them behave in certain ways, then reading on may be useful information for your family members who live with you as well as for animals of all kinds!
What is the difference between a possum and a raccoon?
Like most mammals, the differences between a possum and a raccoon are mainly in their body size and the way they walk. Although they have similar teeth, a possum’s bite is much stronger than that of a raccoon. This leads to the possum’s being able to dig quickly and efficiently, while the raccoon relies more on its speed. In addition to these physical differences, the two species have some vocal differences as well. The possum’s squeak is lower and less prolonged than that of the raccoon’s. Finally, there is the whole matter of their diet. While both possums and raccoons are omnivores, the two species feed on very different foods.
Peculiar characteristics of possums
The two main characteristics that set possums and their relatives apart from other rodents are their long ears and tails and their poor eyesight. Long ears and tails help the possum stay warm when it’s cold outside, while allowing it to better sense its environment. And poor eyesight means that a possum can’t see as far as a squirrel or a rat, which have excellent eyesight. However, all these things don’t mean that possums are more intelligent or social than other animals. Possums are actually more like mice than other mammals, and they live in very small groups called hares.
How to tell the two types of animals
The easiest way to tell the two types of animals is to look at their coloring. Both possums and raccoons are brown, while squirrels are green. However, you should pay special attention to the possum’s long ears and tail, which are dark brown while the rest of its body is light brown. This coloration is quite striking, but it’s not always easy to tell the two types of animals apart. So, if you’re having a hard time telling the two species apart, you might want to keep an eye out for these traits when you’re around them.
Where do possums live?
Possums live in almost all parts of the world where there are trees and other vegetation. They’re also found in Australia, New Zealand, and much of Asia. However, they’re less common in the cold northern regions. Because of their northern nature, most people have never seen a possum in the Southern Hemisphere.
Key points to remember about possums
Possums are nocturnal animals that spend much of the day eating. They are shy and rarely come into contact with people, so their presence is usually unknown. Possums are strong, quick animals that move fast on their short legs and feet. They’re equipped with powerful hind legs for running and climbing, and a short, powerful tail is used for balancing. Possums have poor eyesight, but they can navigate with the help of their sense of smell. They’re also very good at hearing.
Behaviors that indicate danger for humans and other animals
Because of Possum’s poor eyesight, they often fall into trouble. They’re afraid of everything, and they’re easy to spook. This is why you need to be careful around these animals. When a possum sees you, it immediately starts thinking about how to get out of the situation. This is its way of getting ready to run away. The process of running away from a dangerous situation is called deconditioning. After a while, the animal will be so used to this behavior that it won’t even realize that it’s in danger anymore.
How to help a possum leave home safely
In order to help a possum leave home without getting hurt, you need to understand its behavior and be able to predict when it’s about to give up. This is easier said than done, though, since these animals are so unpredictable. Here are a few things you can do to make it a bit easier: Find out when the animal’s normal prey is eaten and offer to help it get its regular fill. If possible, avoid opening your house to the possum. Let it stay in the wild where it can eat its natural diet of rodents and insects. If you have to open your home to the animal, try to keep its food as quiet as possible. This is essential for the animal’s safety and health.
Summing up
Possum is a type of mammal that is related to the raccoon and the opossum. They are also found in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Possums are not related to squirrels, opossums, or rats. They are in fact, related to the pig and the rat. These curious animals are nocturnal, eat mostly plants, and are active at night. They are also very smart and agile. Possums are also very attractive with long ears and tails and a white face. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these animals so different from other rodents, then you’re in the right place!