Common Brushtail Possum

Trichosurus vulpecula

Identification:

Body length 500 mm; tail length 380 mm; weight 4 kg. Cat-sized; light grey; large pointed ears; black tail bushy to tip; paws light grey.

Habitat and Range:

Dry and wet forests — usually anywhere the Short-eared Possum is not found. In the inner suburbs, almost anywhere with a tree or a ceiling.  Most common Brisbane marsupial. Australia-wide, but declining in Central Australia.

Notes:

Similar to Short-eared Mountain Possum. Nocturnal.

Threats:

None.

Traces:

Urine stains on the ceiling; heavy breathing (a throaty ha-ha-ha) in breeding season. Droppings like thin jellybeans with one pointy end (22 mm long by 7 mm wide).

Queensland Museum's Find out about... is proudly supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.