Why we need Possums in our garden
North America’s only marsupial is outstanding for controlling ticks in the garden
My first experience with an Opussum, also known as possums, was about seven years ago when my dog Holly and I stumbled upon one in the backyard after returning from a walk.
It all happened very quickly. We rounded the corner of the house and the possum was right there. Holly, of course, dashed right over to her instantly putting the possum into the “play dead mode,” or “playing possum.” Laying on her side with her mouth open scared me into thinking she might have had a heart attack, but I remembered that “playing dead” was their primary self-defence method.
Possums are often misunderstood creatures, and one common misconception is that they are aggressive. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Possums are generally docile and non-aggressive animals. They prefer to avoid confrontation and will usually try to escape rather than fight.
In her informative book The Humane Gardener, Nancy Lawson quotes John Griffin, director of urban wildlife solutions for the Humane Society of the United States, on the importance of Possums.
“Contrary to popular belief, opossums have no way to fight back when challenged, explains Lawson. “All they can do is drool, hiss and sway before playing dead.” “‘That’s their only defense,’” explains Griffin. “‘They have fifty teeth, but they don’t know how to use them in an aggressive way,’” he explains.
Yet, says Lawson, they are among the “most abused mammals, intentionally run over, set on fire and doused in insecticides – unfathomably cruel behaviours that pain wildlife rehabilitators like Melanie Furr, who has raised their orphans at AWARE in Atlanta.”
“There’s nothing not to like about possums. They are so subdued, so nonaggressive. You have to really provoke an opossum to get bitten,” explains Furr.
Lawson goes on to say that opossums, skunks, and many other misunderstood animals can be surprisingly beneficial in the garden – another reason to coexist with these unassuming creatures.”
This photo collage of Possums in the garden shows their interesting character. Their primary defense is to hiss and show their many teeth but they are not dangerous and would prefer to “play dead” than challenge you or another animal.
When threatened, possums use their unique defense mechanism of playing dead. This behavior, known as “playing possum,” involves the possum lying motionless on its side with its eyes closed and tongue hanging out. This act is not a conscious decision but rather an involuntary response to fear. By playing dead, possums hope to deter predators and give the impression that they are no longer a threat.
It’s important to note that possums are more likely to play dead when they feel threatened or cornered. In most cases, they will try to avoid conflict altogether by hissing, growling, or showing their teeth as a warning. These behaviors are meant to intimidate potential threats and discourage them from approaching.
When a possum feels threatened, it will go into a state of shock and appear lifeless. This is an instinctual response to predators, as many animals are less likely to attack something that appears dead. By playing dead, possums hope to trick their predators into thinking they are no longer a threat.
Playing possum actually involves a series of behaviors that make the possum appear dead. They will lie on their side, with their mouth open and tongue hanging out, and emit a foul odor that mimics the smell of decay. Some possums may even release a green fluid from their anal glands, further enhancing the illusion of death.
This behavior can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the level of threat. Once the danger has passed, the possum will gradually regain consciousness and resume its normal activities.
Playing dead is an effective survival strategy for possums, allowing them to escape from predators without having to fight. It also helps them avoid injury, as many predators lose interest in a motionless prey.
So, After quickly pulling my dog Holly away, the little critter eventually revived herself and waddled off into the garden.
Because they are primarily creatures of the night, seeing them during the day is more rare and I was thrilled to get that opportunity even though it was only for a brief time.
I was especially excited to think that North America’s only marsupial had found a home somewhere in our garden.
Possums are fascinating creatures that belong to the marsupial family. They are native to North America and are commonly found in gardens and urban areas. These small- to medium-sized mammals have a unique appearance with their long snouts, hairless tails, and beady eyes.
Not everyone would agree with me that they are extremely cute – preferring to see them as large rats – but they could not be more wrong.
Opussums are adaptable creatures and can survive in a variety of habitats, including urban areas. They are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. If they feel threatened, they may hiss or show their teeth, but they are more likely to play dead as a defense mechanism.
Opussums play an important role in our gardens as natural pest controllers. They feed on insects, rodents, and even small snakes, helping to keep the population of these pests in check. This can be particularly beneficial for gardeners who want to maintain a healthy and thriving garden without the use of harmful pesticides.
Our Possum caught on the trail camera at night foraging around for food.
How do Possums control ticks in our backyard?
In addition to their pest control abilities, opussums are also known to eat ticks, which can carry diseases. It is estimated that a single possum will eat up to 4,000 ticks a week. That seems a little high but these meticulous groomers spend their days eating any ticks they find on themselves. Some of these ticks in our gardens may be carriers of tick-born Lyme disease. So, that possum that digs around at night could be what saves you and your family or dog from a disease that is known to stay with some people for years. That’s a trade-off I’m certainly willing to take.
Opussums are quite shy creatures, which might explain why it took several years before I saw her again and that was only because I set up a trail camera near our wood/brush pile. I had hoped the wood pile would provide a home for local wildlife, but I had no idea that it might become home to a possum.
Last week, the trail camera caught her again wandering the garden in search of food. Although our winter has not been extreme, I’m certainly a little worried about her and hope she survives our sometimes extreme temperatures.
Possums, after all, are recent migrants to this part of North America.
How can we attract Possums to our woodland gardens?
As we have learned earlier in this post, possums can be beneficial to our gardens by helping to control pests and insects. If you want to attract possums to your garden, there are a few things you can do.
1. Provide food sources: Possums are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. You can leave out fruits, vegetables, and even pet food for them to eat. Make sure to place the food in a secure location, such as a covered feeding station, to protect it from other animals.
2. Create shelter: Possums need a safe place to rest and raise their young. You can provide them with shelter by leaving out nesting materials, such as leaves, grass, and twigs. Additionally, you can install possum boxes or nesting boxes in your garden to provide them with a cozy home.
3. Avoid using pesticides: Possums are sensitive to chemicals, so it’s best to avoid using pesticides in your garden. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects.
4. Provide water: Possums need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. You can set up a shallow dish or birdbath with clean water in your garden to attract them.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a welcoming environment for possums in your garden. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for them to discover and feel comfortable in their new habitat. With a little effort, you can enjoy the benefits of having possums as natural pest controllers in your garden.
When did Possums begin appearing in Ontario and North Eastern United States?
The presence of Possums in Ontario and North Eastern United States is a relatively recent phenomenon. These marsupials are actually native to the southern United States, particularly in the southeastern regions. However, due to climate change and habitat loss, Possums have been gradually expanding their range northward.
The first documented sightings of Possums in Ontario occurred in the late 1990s. Since then, their population has been steadily increasing, and they have become a common sight in many urban and suburban areas. The spread of Possums to the North Eastern United States followed a similar pattern, with sightings becoming more frequent in the early 2000s.
The ability of possums to adapt to different environments and their opportunistic feeding habits have contributed to their successful colonization of these new territories. They are known to thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmlands, and residential areas.
The presence of Possums in Ontario and the North Eastern United States has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, they provide natural pest control by feeding on insects and small rodents. On the other hand, like any animal they can also cause damage to gardens and property.
Overall, the arrival of Possums in Ontario and the North Eastern United States is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. As they continue to expand their range, it is important for us to understand their behavior and find ways to coexist with these fascinating creatures.
What do Possums eat in the wild?
Possums are omnivorous creatures, meaning they have a varied diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available to them in their environment.
In terms of plant matter, possums consume a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are particularly fond of berries, apples, pears, and melons. They also enjoy eating leaves, grass, and other vegetation. In gardens, possums may be attracted to crops such as corn, tomatoes, and lettuce.
When it comes to animal matter, possums are known to eat insects, worms, snails, and small rodents. They are skilled hunters and will search for prey in the underbrush or dig for insects in the soil. Possums are also known to scavenge for carrion, feeding on the remains of dead animals.
By providing a diverse range of natural plants and minimizing attractants like open garbage, we can encourage possums to find their food in their natural habitat.
Besides eating ticks, why would we want them in our garden?
As mentioned earlier, Possums are marsupials, which means they have a unique reproductive system. They carry their young in a pouch, providing a fascinating sight for nature enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, Possums have a relatively short lifespan in the wild. On average, they live for about two to four years. However, some possums have been known to live up to six years in the wild.
Several factors contribute to the relatively short lifespan of possums. One of the main factors is predation. Possums are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including owls, foxes, coyotes, and domestic dogs and cats. Their small size and slow movement make them vulnerable to these predators.
Another factor that affects the lifespan of possums is disease and parasites. Possums can be susceptible to various diseases, such as leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. Ticks, fleas, and other parasites can also play a role in their early demise by weakening their immune system and overall health.
How many babies to Possums usually have?
Possums are known for their unique reproductive habits. On average, possums give birth to a relatively large number of babies, known as joeys. The average litter size for possums is around six to nine joeys. However, it is not uncommon for possums to have even larger litters, with some reports of up to 20 joeys being born at once.
The reason for the large litter size is due to the high mortality rate of possums in the wild. By having a larger number of offspring, possums increase their chances of survival as some of the joeys may not make it to adulthood.
Possums are marsupials, which means that their young are born in an undeveloped state and continue to develop outside the womb, attached to their mother’s teats. The joeys spend several months in their mother’s pouch, where they continue to grow and develop until they are ready to venture out on their own.
It is important to note that not all of the joeys in a possum’s litter will survive. The survival rate for possum joeys is relatively low, with only a few individuals making it to adulthood. However, the large litter size ensures that at least some of the joeys will have a chance to survive and carry on the possum population.
Author Profile: Vic MacBournie is a former journalist and author/owner of the award-winning website Ferns & Feathers. He writes about his woodland wildlife garden that he has created over the past 25 years and enjoys sharing his garden photography with readers.