Fun Common Brushtail Possum Facts For Kids

The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is an indigenous American marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia. Because it has adapted to an urban lifestyle and frequently comes into contact with people, the Common Brushtail Possum is arguably the best-recognized possum in Sydney.

The most common Australian possum is the Common Brushtail Possum. Common Brush-tailed Possum is a big possum with sharp ears and a bushy tail.

They are usually silvery grey with a black band across the nose and a white to brownish-yellow belly. These Australian mammals are now found beyond their home range in urban areas as well.

Here are a few fun facts about the Common Brushtail Possum which will make you more curious about them. If you wish to browse through some more Possums, check out these Virginia opossum facts and ringtail possum facts.

Common Brushtail Possum Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Common Brushtail Possum?

The Common Brushtail Possum, like other possums, is nocturnal. It is mostly a folivore but when required feeds on bird eggs, insects, and some baby birds as well. These native Australian animals have been known to den in termite mounds and crevasses.

What class of animal does a Common Brushtail Possum belong to?

The common Brushtail Possum is a mammal that is one of the marsupials belonging to Australia. This species is present in abundance across its home range in Australia and New Zealand.

How many Common Brushtail Possums are there in the world?

In the 1980s, the peak population of this Australian marsupial was predicted to be 60–70 million, but it is presently believed to be 30 million owing to the animal population control efforts for the Common Brushtail Possum invasive species.

Where does a Common Brushtail Possum live?

Golden Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is most commonly seen in forests or wooded habitats. This Australian animal can be located living in urban regions as well.

What is the Common Brushtail Possum's habitat?

Common Brushtail Possum habitat is present in forests or wooded habitats across Australia and New Zealand. Trichosurus vulpecula may be found in rainforests and the dry woods of Tasmania as well, which encompasses more than 60% of the island.

Common Brushtail Possum's range of natural habitat extends to eucalyptus woods and mangroves in north Queensland as well as to urban areas with humans.

Who do Common Brushtail Possums live with?

Brushtail Possums are mainly solitary creatures who seek companionship when it comes to breeding. Ringtail Possums, on the other hand, form bigger family groupings in which one male and one or two females share a drey and search for food at night, and these Australian animals share parental chores.

How long does a Common Brushtail Possum live?

Brushtail Possums have the potential to live up to 13 years in their natural habitat amongst wildlife. It may be found in southern Australia, northern Australia's tropical areas (including Tasmania and Queensland), and New Zealand. Large numbers of these protected wild animals can regularly be seen living with humans in urban areas.

How do they reproduce?

The Common Brushtail Possum may reproduce at any time of year, though it is most active from March to May and September to November. Mating is promiscuous and haphazard; some males can father numerous young in a season, while more than half sire none.

Males in the northern Queensland community seemed to require a month of consorting with females before starting the mating process. Brushtail females have a gestation period of 16–18 days after which they give birth.

What is their conservation status?

Trichosurus vulpecula was originally heavily hunted for its fur in Australia, but it is now protected in Tasmania. In New Zealand, there are no limitations on hunting this species. Despite the thousands of animals killed each year, the population does not appear to be dwindling.

Common Brushtail Possum Fun Facts

What do Common Brushtail Possums look like?

The eyes of the Trichosurus vulpecula are enormous, and their ears are tall and rounded. It has short but thick hair, and its tail is usually lengthy and coated in long bushy hair.

Females, like most marsupials, have a tiny, forward-opening pouch used for reproduction. To mark territories, a small gland on the breast is employed. This gland's crimson secretions give the fur around it a brown or reddish color.

How do they communicate?

Trichosurus vulpecula communicates through sound and fragrance. Deep guttural coughs and harsh hisses are common modes of communication, especially during the breeding season. When this pest species migrates between feeding locations at night, you may occasionally hear this sound as these Australian animals scamper across your roof.

How big is a Common Brushtail Possum?

The Common Brushtail Possum's body length is three times smaller than a Possum. The head and body lengths of the Common Brushtail Possum are 22 in (55 cm ) long, with a tail length of 15 in (38 cm).

How fast can a Common Brushtail Possum run?

When running, the Common Brushtail Possum looks like it is walking quickly, with its tail moving in circles for balance, reaching a max speed of roughly 4 mph (6.3 kph).

How much does a Common Brushtail Possum weigh?

A Common Brushtail Possum weighs between 9-10 lb (4-4.5 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Female Common Brushtail Possum is known as a jill and a male Common Brushtail Possum is known as a jack.

What would you call a baby Common Brushtail Possum?

A Baby Common Brushtail Possum is known as a joey.

What do they eat?

Brushtail Possums consume leaves, flowers, as well as bird eggs, infant birds, and insects. This pest species mostly consumes eucalyptus leaves, although these wild animals also consume some shrubs (mostly wattles), herbs, flowers, and fruit. This species usually hunts for its food in the night.

Are they dangerous?

Possums do have several illnesses that may be transmitted to people by skin-to-fur contact or contact with their feces. They also transmit mites, ticks, and other parasites, as well as bacterial illnesses like ulcers.

Would they make a good pet?

Common Brushtail Possum pet is a good idea because of its cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and overall health. Common Brushtail Possums are excellent pets for beginners. These opossums are tiny, typically amiable critters with little care requirements, and they are surely adorable!

Did you know...

The Brushtail Possum has a prehensile point on its tail that helps it to grip branches as if they were another hand.

In Australia, there are 23 Possum species.

The Common Brushtail Possum along with the common ringtail possum are the most frequent species.

A passel is a group of Possums.

The cuscus is the biggest Possum species.

Are Common Brushtail possums pests?

Yes, in the 1830s, the Common Brushtail Possum was imported to New Zealand, where it has since become a problem species. They are vexingly destructive pests that have infiltrated backyards, homes, and sheds to consume precious garden produce and stink up the verandas with their urine.

Why is it called Brushtail Possum?

The Brushed Possum is called Brushed Possum because its bushy tail is specialized in grabbing branches and having a prehensile end and a hairless ventral patch.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these honey opossum facts and marsupial mole facts.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our possum coloring pages.