{"id":6576,"date":"2024-05-16T07:45:14","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T13:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pasopacifico.org\/?p=6576"},"modified":"2024-10-11T08:20:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T14:20:43","slug":"possum-vs-opossum-same-animal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pasopacifico.org\/possum-vs-opossum-same-animal\/","title":{"rendered":"Possum vs. Opossum: Same animal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Possum vs. opossum? Aren\u2019t they different spellings of the same word? Understanding the difference between possum and opossum<\/strong> is essential, as they are not the same animal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many non-native English speakers struggle with telling the 2 species apart. This is mainly because the word \u201cpossum\u201d is often used in American colloquial conversation as an abbreviation for \u201copossum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the confusion, they\u2019re very different animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paso Pacifico will take you through the finer details between these two distinct species. We\u2019ll also help you understand their behavioral and morphological differences, including their preferred habitats<\/a>, so you\u2019ll always know which animal you\u2019re referring to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possum vs. Opossum: Why the Confusion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both belong to the marsupial family. They give birth to underdeveloped babies that they nourish in pouches containing teats<\/a> until newborns can fend for themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being active night creatures, they\u2019re mostly nocturnal. However, they can be seen during the day if they experience food scarcity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, both species are mainly tree-dwelling (arboreal) and even look alike to some extent. This explains why the two are often used interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possum vs. Opossum: Distinguishing Features <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While possums and opossums are not closely related, telling these fascinating creatures apart can seem challenging. But it doesn\u2019t have to be as long as you understand their:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taxonomic Order <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Opossums are from the order Didelphimorphia<\/a>, which translates to \u201cdouble-wombed\u201d in Greek. They belong to the largest extant marsupials in the Western hemisphere, with over 17 genera and 87 species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common is the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)\u2014a cat-sized creature that is terrestrial and will eat just about anything.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, possums belong to Diprotodontia<\/a> or \u201ctwo forward teeth\u201d in Greek. It is the most diverse order with approximately 155 species! Common varieties include the brushtail possum and ringtail possum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geographic Origins <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The opossum is primarily native to North America, particularly in the continental United States and south-eastern Canada. In Mesoamerica, opossums can be found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, the possum is native to Australia. But you can also find them in China, New Guinea, New Zealand, Tasmania, Sulawesi, and other islands of Indonesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spot the Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 6 ways you can distinguish one marsupial from the other:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Possums have thick, fluffy reddish brown, dark brown, and warm grey hues. They can also sport golden colors thanks to a genetic mutation. In contrast, opossums have coarse fur that is usually grey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sizes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Possums can weigh less than an ounce to over 20 pounds<\/a> depending on the species. Their total lengths are between 23 and 47 inches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opossums, on the other hand, weigh anywhere between 8.8 to 13.2 pounds. They measure about 29 inches from nose to tail. That\u2019s almost the size of a raccoon, so you can stop associating them with rats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diets <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Possums are mostly herbivorous, enjoying a diet of leaves, herbs, sweet fruits, and even veggies. But some species (brushtail possums) don\u2019t shy away from attacking bird eggs and small lizards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, opossums are omnivores. From fruits and plants to carrion (dead animals), insects, and small mammals like rats, they eat just about anything in their surroundings. This loner has also been known to hunt and feast on venomous snakes<\/a>. Their impressive immune systems can neutralize the toxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Opossums have pointed faces with long, narrow snouts and sharp teeth while possums have rounded faces and shorter, less-pointed snouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tails <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Possums have thick and furry tails resembling those of squirrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opossums’ tails have no fur. They are so long that they account for almost one-third of their body length<\/a>! They are versatile and practical appendages that can grasp, hold, and manipulate objects. They also anchor opossums to trees as they dangle from branches in search of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Habitats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Possums live in wooded areas. They create dens and nests in tree trunks, hollow branches and logs, and rock cavities and crevices. You can also find them in urban parks, gardens, tree-lined rivers, and creeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opossums are more or less the same. They prefer brushy habitats in dry forests<\/a> but willingly settle down anywhere as long as the place offers easy access to food and water. This includes everything from rainforests, prairies, and mangrove swamps to urban and suburban areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Look at Their Behaviors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How many times have we heard the phrase \u201cplaying possum\u201d? The term refers to \u201cpretending to be dead, ignorant, asleep, etc, to deceive an opponent.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the phrase\u2019s popularity, you no doubt already have an idea of how possums protect themselves. When they feel threatened or are caught unaware, they involuntarily enter a catatonic state as a response to fear. This deceptive and life-saving behavior can last up to 4 hours<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives the predator time to lose interest and move on to more accessible prey. If they\u2019re desperate enough, they\u2019ll attack the opossum, even if it emits a decaying smell. Though these animals rarely show aggression, they will bite when cornered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, possums are docile and friendly towards humans. However, they will bare their teeth, hiss, and growl in the face of danger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Threats to Possums and Opossums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Possums are widely hunted and killed for meat and smooth fur<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While opossums keep to themselves and avoid human contact, they face certain threats. They\u2019re considered furbearers in most states, with more than one million pelts<\/a> harvested annually. The industry is valued at $2.5 million. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they fake death, they\u2019re also at risk of being eaten by predators like coyotes and foxes. Combined with their small size, the behavior makes them susceptible to getting hit by cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This might explain why opossums only live up to 2 years in the wild, but in captivity, Virginia opossums can live as long as 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Do if You See a Possum or Opossum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key thing to remember is to avoid handling possums and opossums with your bare hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While opossums are generally known to be all bark and no bite, 1 in 800 are affected by the rabies virus<\/a>, which can be transmitted through bites and be fatal if symptoms manifest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also carry infectious diseases, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n