If you’ve been seeing more possums around your yard lately, you’re not alone. Possums have been known to wander into residential areas in search of food, and as the weather starts to cool down, they’ll be looking for a place to hibernate too. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about possums to safely and humanely get them out of your yard.
What are possums
Ah, possums. Those cute, little marsupials that rummage through our trash cans and frighten us when we see them on the side of the road. They may not be everyone’s favorite animal, but they are an important part of the ecosystem. Here are a few things you may not have known about possums.
Possums Are Native to Australia…And North America
That’s right! Though they are most often associated with Australia, possums actually originated in North America.
In fact, there are more than 60 species of possum found all over the world, from South America to Southeast Asia. The best-known species, the common brushtail possum, is found in both Australia and New Zealand.
Possums Are Not Rodents
One of the most common misconceptions about possums is that they are rodents. This is not true! Possums are actually marsupials, which means that they carry their young in a pouch like kangaroos and koalas. There are two groups of marsupials: Australian marsupials and American (or opossum) marsupials. Possums are members of the American marsupial group, which also includes animals like the Virginia opossum, kinkajou, and others.
Possums Play an Important Role in the Ecosystem
Though they might be considered pests by some people, possums actually play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, brushtail possums are a major source of food for Tasmanian devils, eagles, and pythons.
They also help disperse seeds throughout the environment and control insect populations. In short, they perform many of the same ecosystem services as other animals—just in a less cuddly package!
Though they may not be everyone’s favorite animal, possums play an important role in the ecosystem. These interesting creatures are native to North America and can be found all over the world.
Though they are often mistaken for rodents, possums are actually marsupials—a group of animals that also includes kangaroos and koalas. So next time you see a possum rummaging through your trash can or hanging out on the side of the road, remember that these critters play an essential role in keeping our ecosystems healthy!
What do Possums look like
You may have seen a possum in your backyard and wondered, “What IS that thing?” Possums are marsupials, which means they have a pouch in which they carry their young. There are more than 60 different species of possums, and they range in size from the pygmy possum, which is about the size of a mouse, to the brindled possum, which can be as big as a cat. Read on to learn more about these interesting creatures!
Appearance
Possums generally have long, pointed noses; small eyes; and round, hairless ears. They have sharp claws and long tails that they use for balance. Most possums are brown or gray with white bellies. Some possums also have stripes or spots.
Habitat
Possums live in forests, fields, and gardens in North and South America, Australia, and Indonesia. Some possums are nocturnal (active at night), while others are active during the day.
Diet
Possums are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of fruit, leaves, flowers, insects, snails, rodents, and birds. Some possums will even eat garbage!
Interesting Facts
– Possums are excellent swimmers and climbers.
– When threatened by a predator, some species of possum “play dead.” This behavior is called “playing ‘possum.”
– Possums do not hibernate but will spend cold winter days sleeping in dens.
– A group of possums is called a “passel” or a “yoke.”
– Female possums can have up to 40 young at one time!
– Most possums live for less than two years in the wild but can live up to 13 years in captivity.
So the next time you see a strange creature scurrying across your yard, don’t be alarmed—it’s just a harmless possum! These interesting animals play an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations and spreading plants’ seeds through their droppings. Now that you know a little bit more about them, why not take some time to learn even more about these fascinating creatures?
How to Know if You Have Possums in Your Yard
Possums are strange creatures. They’re often seen as pests, but they can actually be beneficial to have around. If you suspect you have possums in your yard, there are a few telltale signs to look for. Here’s what you need to know about these critters – and how to get rid of them if you need to!
Signs You Have Possums in Your Yard
There are a few different ways to tell if you have possums in your yard. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of droppings. Possum droppings are typically larger than those of other similar-sized animals, like rats or mice. They’re also cylindrical in shape and may contain seeds, fruit, or other plant matter.
Another sign that you have possums around is damage to your garden or landscaping. Possums are natural foragers, so they will often uproot plants or dig through the mulch in search of food. If you notice that your plants are being disturbed or damaged, it’s a good indication that possums are present.
Finally, possums are nocturnal creatures, so you’re more likely to see them active at night. If you notice an increase in activity after dark, it’s a good possibility that possums are involved. If you see one during the day, it’s likely sick or injured.
Possums may not be the most popular animals around, but they can actually help control pests like rodents and insects. However, if you don’t want them in your yard, you can do a few things to get rid of them. By removing potential food sources and making the area less hospitable, you can encourage these critters to move along elsewhere!
What attracts possums to yards
One of the most common reasons why possums are attracted to yards is because food is available. Possums are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of any easy meal they can find.
This can include anything from unsecured trash cans to pet food that’s been left out overnight. If you want to keep possums away, it’s important to ensure that there is no food available on your property.
Another reason why possums might be attracted to your yard is that there are plenty of hiding places available. Possums are nocturnal animals and prefer to stay hidden during the day.
If your yard has dense shrubbery or piles of debris, it can provide the perfect hiding spot for a possum looking to avoid daylight. To keep possums away, trim back overgrown vegetation and remove any piles of debris from your property.
Lastly, possums are attracted to locations where they feel safe from predators. If your yard has a lot of trees or other tall structures, it can provide a sense of safety for a possum looking for a place to rest during the day. To keep possums away, make sure that your yard does not provide any potential hiding spots for them.
Possums may look cute and harmless, but they can be problematic pests if they take up residence in your yard. Attracted by food, shelter, and safety availability, possums, can quickly become unwelcome guests on your property.
The good news is that you can take a few simple steps to keep them away. Making sure there is no food available and removing potential hiding spots can help deter possums from taking up residence in your yard.
Should You Keep Possums In Your Yard?
Whether or not you should keep possums in your yard is a personal decision. While they can help with pest control, they can also be destructive to plants and vegetation.
If you decide that you don’t want possums in your yard, there are a few steps you can take to discourage them from taking up residence on your property. If possums are already living on your property, the best thing to do is to contact a wildlife removal specialist to safely remove them from your yard.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want possums in your yard. By understanding what attracts them and taking steps to discourage them, you can help keep them away and protect your property.
How to get rid of possums
If you don’t want possums in your yard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. First, remove any potential food sources that may be attracting them. This means keeping trash cans tightly sealed and removing pet food from outdoors overnight. If possums are eating from bird feeders, take those down as well.
You can also try hazing techniques to scare possums away. These include using bright lights, loud noises, or water hoses turned on at low pressure.
The key is to make the area as inhospitable as possible so the possums will go elsewhere. Finally, if all else fails, you can call animal control for help in the removal and relocation of the pests.
What do you do if you see a possum in your yard?
You’re enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon in your backyard when suddenly, you see a possum! These marsupials are not particularly friendly animals, and they can be dangerous if they feel threatened. So, what should you do if you see a possum in your yard?
The first thing you should do is stay calm. Possums are usually more scared of humans than we are of them, but they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. If the possum is passing through and not causing any trouble, it’s best to leave it alone and let it be on its way.
However, if the possum is hanging around and seems to be making itself at home, you’ll need to take action to get rid of it. The best way to do this is to scare the possum away using loud noises or bright lights.
You can also try spraying the possum with a hose or throwing a tennis ball in its direction (without actually hitting it, of course!).
If these methods don’t work, or if the possum seems to be injured, you’ll need to call animal control for assistance. In most cases, they’ll be able to safely remove the possum from your property and release it into the wild where it belongs.
Possums may look cute, but they can actually be quite dangerous animals. If you see a possum in your yard, it’s important to take action to get rid of it as soon as possible.
The best way to do this is by making loud noises or shining bright lights at the possum until it scurries away. However, if these methods don’t work or if the possum appears to be injured, you’ll need to call animal control for assistance.
Tips for keeping possums away from your yard
Possums can be destructive to plants and vegetation, so if you don’t want them in your yard, it’s best to take steps to deter them. Here are some tips for keeping possums away from your yard:
– Trim back overgrown trees or brush as these provide potential hiding spots for possums.
– Keep pet food indoors and securely seal garbage cans overnight.
– Remove bird feeders as they may attract possums looking for a snack.
– Install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your property. This will startle any passing possums and scare them away.
– Use artificial owl decoys to intimidate the pests.
– Sprinkle peppermint oil or garlic around the perimeter of your yard. Possums don’t like strong smells and will likely stay away.
– Make loud noises or turn on bright lights to discourage possums from entering your yard.
– Install a fence around your property if possible. This can help keep out larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and skunks.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep possums away from your yard and protect your property from potential damage. However, if all else fails, it’s best to call animal control for assistance in the removal of any unwanted pests.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand what to do if you see a possum in your yard. Remember, the best way to get rid of a possum is by scaring it away using loud noises or bright lights. However, if the possum appears injured or does not leave after being scared off, you’ll need to call animal control for assistance. Additionally, there are several steps you can take to keep possums away from your yard in the first place. By following these tips, you’ll be able to protect your property and keep unwanted pests at bay. Good luck! Happy Possum-proofing!
