Distinguishing opossum vs. possum is crucial, as both of the creatures are marsupials but found in different regions and are quite different from each other. Most people assume the word “opossum” is the scientific word for “possum.” you may be wondering if they are the same thing. As it turns out, these two words refer to completely different animals in North and South America.
Both animals are marsupials, In North America, the animal officially called an opossum is a white and grey marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia. English colonists living in Jamestown derived the word from its equivalent in Powhatan, a language spoken by the Virginia Algonquian tribe. The word means “white dog or beast” in Powhatan.
Possum lives in Australia, New Guinea, Sulawesi, New Zealand, and China. Their name does drive from opossum. Sir Joseph Banks, a British botanist, thought they looked enough like the American opossum to give them a similar name. However, Kangaroos and other Australian marsupials are closely related to American opossums. The possum belongs to the diprotodontia order.
Size:
Opossums are medium animals. Measuring 15-20 inches long and weighing 4-12 pounds. As adults, opossums are about the size of a house cat. The brushtail possum’s head and body length are 35–55 cm and its tails are 25–40 cm long. It weighs between 1.2 and 4.5.
Appearance:
Opossums have coarse, grey fur and a long tail that resembles a snake due to its scales. Their toes are pink, and their fangs are sharp, with a long triangular snout and a pink nose. Its hairless ears are often at risk of frostbite during the harsh winters in the northeast.
Australian possum has a round body shape and thick fur, which is often golden in color, which is called the golden brushtail possum. Its eyes take a peanut butter color in the light, and true to its moniker, its tail is thick and voluminous like a squirrel’s. these animals look more like cuddly cousins of the koala bear rather than distant relatives of the opossum.
Habitat:
Opossums and possums are different animals that live in different places:
Opossums live in North and South America., They can live in forests, grassy area, and even cities. They like to stay near water like ponds, rivers, and swamps. You might also find them in backyards, attics, or sheds.
Possums live in Australia and nearby islands like New Guinea. They like forests where they can climb trees to find food. Sometimes, they also live in small caves or rock shelters.
Behavioral Differences Between Opossum Vs. Possum:
Opossums are mostly active at night and like alone. They are great climbers and often find shelter in trees, hollow logs, or even abandoned buildings. One of their most well-known behaviors is “playing dead” when they feel scared.
If a predator approaches, the opossum will lie down, stay still, and even give off a bad smell to make it seem like it’s already dead. This helps to avoid being attacked. Even though they can hiss and show their teeth when threatened, opossums are not aggressive and usually try to stay out of trouble.
Possums are mostly active at night and they are good at climbing trees. they use their tails to help balance and hold onto branches. Possums are shy and try to avoid danger by staying hidden during the day. When they feel scared, possums might growl, hiss, or show their teeth, but they don’t usually attack. They prefer to run away or hide. Possums eat a variety of foods, including fruits, leaves, flowers, and small insects. Even though they like to live alone, sometimes they will share a tree with other possums.
Diet:
Opossums are omnivores, eating various foods, including insects, small mammals, birds, fruit, vegetables, and carrion (dead animal). This helps to adapt to different environments.
Most Australian possums are herbivores, feeding on leaves, flowers, fruits, and occasionally small insects, rodents, and birds. The brushtail possum, for example, loves eating eucalyptus leaves. A little fact about a possum’s diet is their need for high amounts of calcium.
Reproduction:
Opossums are marsupials, meaning they give birth to very tiny, underdeveloped babies after a short pregnancy of just 12-13 days. These newborns, about the size of a jellybean, crawl into the mother’s pouch immediately after birth. Inside the pouch, they continue to grow and nurse from the mother for about 2-3 months.
A female opossum can have up to 20 babies at a time, but only about 13 can survive since the pouch has only 13 nipples. After they leave the pouch, the young opossums may stay with their mother for a short time, sometimes riding on her back, until they are fully independent and can live on their own. Opossums are solitary animals and do not stay with their family for long.
Possums are marsupials, meaning they carry their babies in a pouch. They usually have babies once or twice a year, depending on the species and weather. After a short pregnancy of about 16-18 days, the tiny, underdeveloped babies are born. These babies are hairless and blind, and right after birth, they crawl into their mother’s pouch to continue growing.
They stay in the pouch for 4-5 months, feeding and developing. Once they are big enough, they start riding on their mother’s back until they are fully weaned, around 7-9 months. Possums usually have 1-2 babies at a time, though some species may have a few more. This allows the mother to take good care of her young, giving them the best chance to survive
Lifespan:
Opossums typically have a shorter lifespan than possums:
Opossum lifespan
Opossums usually live 1 to 2 years. In captivity, they can live up to 4 years. They have many predators like owls, foxes, and dogs, and they often get hit by cars because they are attracted to roadkill.
Possums lifespan
Possums can live up to 9 years if conditions are good. They can start having babies when they are 1 to 2 years old.
Sound of Opossum Vs Possum
Opossums:
Opossums make various sounds, such as hissing, growling, screeching, clicking, chattering, sneezing, and even sounds like playing dead. They hiss or growl to warn off predators, screech when they feel threatened, click and chatter when they are excited or exploring, and sneeze when something irritates them. Baby opossums may chirp or cry if they are separated from their mother.
Possums:
Possums are known to make noises like pitter-patter or loud thumping when they move around.
How do the teeth of opossums and possums differ, and how do they use them for feeding?
Opossums and possums have similar teeth in terms of functionality, but there are differences based on their diets and habitats. Opossums, especially the American opossum, have 50 sharp teeth. These teeth are divided into three types, incisor, canines, and molar. The most of any North American land mammal.
These teeth are well-suited for their omnivorous diet, allowing them to eat a variety of foods like plants, insects small animals, and even carrion. Their sharp teeth help them tear into tougher foods and defend themselves if needed.
Possums, native to Australia, have fewer teeth compared to opossums. They also have sharp teeth but are more adapted for herbivores or mixed diets, feeding on fruit, leaves, and small insects. Both animals rely heavily on their teeth for feeding and survival, but the specific number and shape of their teeth reflect the different foods they eat in their environments.
Some interesting facts about opossum vs possum
Different species
Opossums and possums may sound alike, but they are different species. Opossums are found in the Americas, while possums live in Australia and nearby islands.
Social Behavior
Opossums are mostly solitary animals and prefer to live alone. Possums are more social and often live in groups called drays.
Unique Defense Mechanisms
Opossums have a special way of protecting themselves by pretending to be dead when threatened, staying completely still. In contrast, possums form strong bonds with their mates and work together to raise their young.
Diet and Eating Habits
Opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat a mix of plants, insects, rodents, and more. They are also known to scavenge for food, often feeding on roadkill.
Impressive Immunity
Opossums have a lower body temperature and a strong immune system, making them less likely to carry diseases compared to other animals.
Smart Survivals Skills
Opossums are intelligent creatures. They can navigate through mazes and remember where food is, which helps them find food easily as scavengers
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the difference in the pronunciation of opossum vs. possum?
Answer: As the two creatures are different, their pronunciations are also different. However, opossums are sometimes referred to as possums also.
Question 2: Are possums and opossums different?
Answer: Possums and opossums are different animals. Opossums live in North and South America, while possums live in Australia and other countries.
Question 3: Do opossums and possums smell like pets?
Answer: Yes, both opossums and possums can have a smell. Opossums might have a musky odor, especially if they feel scared or are not kept clean. Possums also have a distinct smell, but it’s manageable with regular cleaning and good care.
Question 4: What do opossums and possums eat?
Answer: Opossums are omnivores and eat plants, insects, small animals, and carrion. Possum mainly eats fruits, leaves, and small insects.
Question 5: Are opossums and possums pests?
Answer: Opossums can be considered pests when they invade attics or garbage cans, but are generally not harmful. Possums are less likely to be pests and usually live in their natural habitats.
Question 6: How do opossums handle venomous prey?
Answer: Opossums can eat dangerous animals like rattlesnakes without getting hurt because they are resistant to venom. They digest the snake easily, just like any other food.
Question 7: Can Australian possums glide?
Answer: Australian possums, like the sugar glider, can glide from tree to tree. They use a special skin membrane to glide over 150 feet, much like flying squirrels.
Question 8:Is possum poo toxic?
Answer: Possum poop and urine are dangerous and toxic because it has a high concentration of leptospira bacteria. It is harmful to both humans and animals.
Question 9 Do the Opossum carry diseases?
Answer: Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, coccidiosis, and Chagas diseases.
Conclusion:
Opossums and possums are different animals. Opossums live in the Americas, in places like forests, and cities, and like to be near water. Possums live in Australia and nearby islands, mostly in forests where they climb trees.Opossums can be taken from a reputed breeder and some online platforms. They are similar but live in different parts of the world and have different homes.
