Wild Island

Possums are a familiar part of life across Tasmania. Whether it is the thump of tiny feet on the roof at night, a glimpse of bright eyes in the garden, or a visitor helping itself to the fruit trees, most Tasmanians will encounter possums at some point.

While they can sometimes be noisy or inconvenient, possums are an important part of our native wildlife and play a valuable role in local ecosystems. As towns and cities continue to expand, encounters between people and possums have become increasingly common.

This guide explains the differences between Tasmania’s most commonly encountered possums, why they are attracted to our homes and gardens, and how we can coexist with them safely and humanely.

Not All Possums Are Brushtails

When most people think of a possum, they picture the familiar brushtail possum with its large fluffy tail and bright reflective eyes. While brushtail possums are one of the most commonly encountered species in Tasmania, they are not the only possums sharing our backyards, parks, and bushland.

The other species people commonly encounter is the ringtail possum. Smaller and more delicate than its brushtail cousin, the ringtail has a slender prehensile tail with a distinctive white tip and is often found sheltering in dense vegetation or sleeping in woven nests known as dreys.

Although both species are nocturnal marsupials, they have different behaviours and habitat preferences. Brushtail possums are more likely to take advantage of roof spaces and tree hollows, while ringtail possums often remain hidden among shrubs and trees. Understanding which species you are dealing with can help explain their behaviour and make it easier to find practical solutions when conflicts arise.

The good news is that many of the same coexistence principles apply to both species. By understanding their needs and adapting our homes and gardens accordingly, it is possible to live alongside possums while protecting both wildlife and property.

Feature	Brushtail Possum	Ringtail Possum
Size	Larger and more robust	Smaller and lighter
Tail	Large bushy tail	Prehensile tail with white tip
Shelter	Tree hollows, roof spaces, sheds	Dreys, dense vegetation, tree hollows
Social Behaviour	Usually solitary	Often found in family groups
Common Interactions	Noise in roofs, accessing buildings	Browsing garden plants
Diet	Leaves, flowers, fruit and fungi	Primarily leaves, flowers and fruit

Table 1. Tasmania’s most commonly encountered possums.

Tasmania is also home to several smaller pygmy possum species. Unlike brushtail and ringtail possums, these tiny nocturnal marsupials are rarely encountered around homes and are more commonly found in native forests, heathlands and other natural habitats.

Why Possums Live Near Us

Possums have lived across Tasmania’s forests, woodlands and coastal environments for thousands of years. Traditionally, they relied on tree hollows, dense vegetation and other natural shelters for protection from predators and the weather.

As towns and cities have expanded, many of these natural habitats have been modified, fragmented or removed. At the same time, our homes, sheds and gardens often provide attractive alternatives. Roof spaces can offer warmth and shelter, while gardens may contain a reliable supply of leaves, flowers and fruit.

For brushtail possums, roof cavities can sometimes resemble the tree hollows they would naturally use in the wild. Ringtail possums are more likely to build nests among shrubs and trees, but they may also take advantage of vegetation planted around homes and suburban parks.

Most possums are not trying to cause problems. They are simply adapting to landscapes that have changed around them. Understanding why possums are attracted to our neighbourhoods is the first step towards finding practical and humane ways to live alongside them.

The Benefits of Living with Possums

When possums appear in our gardens or on our roofs, it can be easy to focus on the inconvenience they sometimes cause. However, these native marsupials are an important part of Tasmania’s ecosystems and provide a valuable connection to the wildlife that shares our neighbourhoods.

Supporting Healthy Ecosystems

Possums play a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems through their feeding habits. As they move through the landscape, they help disperse seeds and contribute to the natural regeneration of native vegetation. They are also part of a complex web of interactions involving plants, insects, predators and other wildlife.

A Connection to Nature

For many people, seeing a possum emerge at dusk is one of the few regular encounters they have with native wildlife. Observing these nocturnal animals can provide a greater appreciation for the natural world and remind us that even our towns and suburbs remain part of a much larger ecosystem.

Opportunities to Learn

Possums can also be a valuable way for children and adults alike to learn about Australia’s unique wildlife. Watching them forage, climb and interact with their environment offers a fascinating glimpse into behaviours that often go unnoticed during the day.

While living alongside wildlife can sometimes require patience and understanding, sharing our backyards with possums is also a reminder that conservation begins close to home.

Common Problems and Practical Solutions

Most encounters with possums are relatively minor and can often be resolved without harming the animal. Understanding why a possum is behaving a certain way can help you find practical solutions that work for both wildlife and people.

Possums in the Roof

One of the most common complaints involves brushtail possums taking up residence in roof spaces. Roof cavities provide warmth, shelter and protection from the weather, making them an attractive substitute for natural tree hollows.

If a possum is living in your roof, avoid trapping or relocating it. Instead, identify how the animal is entering and wait until it has left for the evening before sealing access points. If you are unsure whether a possum or dependent young remain inside, seek advice from a licensed wildlife carer before undertaking any exclusion work.

Possums Eating Garden Plants

Possums naturally feed on leaves, flowers, fruit and other vegetation, which can sometimes bring them into conflict with gardeners. Young shoots, vegetable gardens and fruit trees are often particularly attractive.

Wildlife friendly solutions such as protective netting, tree guards and selecting less palatable plant species can help reduce damage while allowing possums to continue moving through the area.

Noise at Night

Possums are nocturnal and are often most active when people are trying to sleep. Running across rooftops, vocalisations and territorial disputes can all create unexpected noise after dark.

While these sounds can be frustrating, they are usually a normal part of possum behaviour. Persistent noise may indicate that a possum has established a shelter nearby, making it worthwhile to inspect your property for potential access points.

Possums and Pets

Most possums prefer to avoid confrontation and will retreat if given the opportunity. However, interactions with dogs and cats can result in injuries to both wildlife and pets.

Keeping pets indoors at night, or supervising them when wildlife is active, can significantly reduce the risk of conflict. If a possum appears injured following an encounter with a pet, contact Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625 as soon as possible.

Why Relocating Possums Doesn’t Work

When a possum takes up residence in a roof space or begins helping itself to garden plants, relocating it may seem like the simplest solution. However, while releasing a possum somewhere else might appear kind, it is rarely in the animal’s best interests and often creates more problems than it solves.

They Are Highly Territorial

Possums are strongly attached to their home range. They know where to find food, shelter and safe pathways through their environment. When a possum is relocated, it is suddenly placed into unfamiliar territory that is often already occupied by other possums.

This can lead to aggressive encounters, injury and displacement as resident animals defend their territory. The relocated possum may be forced to wander in search of food and shelter, increasing its risk of starvation, predation and vehicle strikes.

Relocated Possums Rarely Survive

Research has shown that relocated possums have low survival rates. Many struggle to find suitable shelter, avoid predators or establish themselves in an unfamiliar area.

What may seem like a compassionate solution can result in significant stress and suffering for the animal. In many cases, the possum would have had a far greater chance of survival if it had remained within its original territory.

It Is Not a Humane Long-Term Solution

In Tasmania, native wildlife is protected under legislation, and relocating possums without the appropriate approvals may not be lawful. More importantly, wildlife experts generally recognise relocation as an ineffective and inhumane way to address conflicts between people and wildlife.

Fortunately, there are better options. Humane exclusion methods, identifying and sealing access points, and making small changes around the home can often resolve problems without harming wildlife or removing animals from their natural home range.

Before You Block Roof Access

If a possum has been entering your roof space, it can be tempting to immediately seal the access point. However, before doing so, it is important to make sure the possum has left and that no dependent young remain inside.

Like many marsupials, possums raise their young over an extended period. Even after leaving the pouch, young possums may continue to rely on their mother for warmth, protection and food. If an entry point is sealed while a young possum is still inside, it can become trapped and separated from its mother.

Before undertaking any exclusion work, take the time to identify how the possum is accessing the roof and monitor the area over several evenings. Once you are confident the possum has left and no young remain inside, access points can be sealed to prevent re-entry.

In some situations, installing a suitably designed nest box nearby may provide an alternative shelter option. Nest boxes can help compensate for the loss of natural tree hollows and provide possums with a safe place to shelter once roof access has been excluded. Our Practical Guide to Possum Nest Boxes explains how to choose, build and install a nest box suitable for possums.

If you are unsure whether a possum or dependent young are present, seek advice from a licensed wildlife carer before proceeding. A little patience can prevent unnecessary suffering and help ensure a positive outcome for both wildlife and homeowners.

What to Do if You Encounter an Injured or Orphaned Possum

While many possums live peacefully alongside people, injuries and orphaning can occur as a result of vehicle strikes, dog and cat attacks, entanglement in netting or fencing, and other hazards associated with living in urban and rural environments.

If you encounter an injured or orphaned possum, the most important thing you can do is remain calm and seek advice as soon as possible. Our guide, What to Do If You Find Injured or Orphaned Wildlife, explains the steps you can take while waiting for assistance.

Avoid Unnecessary Handling

Possums are wild animals and can become stressed when approached or handled. An injured animal may also bite or scratch in an attempt to defend itself. Unless it is necessary to prevent further harm, such as moving an animal away from immediate danger, it is generally best to minimise handling until advice can be obtained.

Contact a Wildlife Rescuer

In Tasmania, injured or orphaned wildlife should be reported to Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625. Their 24-hour rescue service can connect you with trained wildlife rescuers and carers who can provide advice or attend the situation if required.

If You Find a Joey

If you discover a young possum on its own, it is important to remember that not all young animals are orphaned. In some cases, the mother may be nearby or return after being temporarily disturbed.

If the joey appears injured, cold, weak or is known to have been separated from its mother, contact Bonorong Wildlife Rescue immediately for guidance. Young possums require specialised care and should be assessed by an experienced wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Sharing Our Backyards with Wildlife

Possums have lived in Tasmania for thousands of years, long before our homes, roads and towns became part of the landscape. While sharing our backyards with wildlife can sometimes present challenges, it also offers an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the remarkable animals that call Tasmania home.

Most conflicts between people and possums can be resolved through simple, humane solutions that protect both wildlife and property. By understanding their behaviour, respecting their needs and making informed decisions, we can reduce unnecessary harm and create spaces where people and wildlife can coexist.

Whether it is a brushtail possum in the roof, a ringtail possum nesting in the garden, or a young joey in need of help, every interaction is a reminder that we share our environment with a diverse range of native species. The choices we make can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.

By choosing coexistence over conflict, we can help ensure that Tasmania’s possums continue to thrive for generations to come. If you are looking to create additional shelter on your property, installing a nest box can provide valuable habitat where natural hollows are limited. Our Practical Guide to Possum Nest Boxes includes practical plans and advice on building and installing nest boxes for possums.