Opossum Vs Possum – Is It The Same Animal

Opossum vs Possum – Is It the Same Animal? Both are often confused, but they are actually different animals. Possums are marsupials, while opossums are not. Opossums are mostly in North and South while possums are located in Australia. Both animals are nocturnal, and they look similar, but they have different habits and behavior. Choose The Best And Most Professional Possum Removal Service In Perth Agency.

Opossum vs Possum:-

• Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials. There are more than 60 species of possum, and they are mostly in Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They are nocturnal animals, and they spend most of their time in trees. Possums are omnivorous and eat various foods, including fruits, vegetables, and insects.

• They also have the ability to play dead, a defense mechanism they use to escape predators. Opossums are medium-sized marsupials that are present in North and South America. There are more than 100 species of opossums, and they are mostly in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Opossums are nocturnal animals, and they are solitary creatures.

• Opossums are omnivorous, and they eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and insects. They are also known for their ability to play dead, a defense mechanism they use to escape predators.

Difference between Opossum vs Possum:-

Opossum vs Possum – Is It the Same Animal? Let’s read this article to know the difference between opossum and possum. There are two different types of possums: the Virginia opossum and the Australian possum. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial in North America, and the Australian possum is a marsupial in Australia.

Both animals are about the same size, and they look somewhat alike. But there are some important differences between opossums and possums.

1. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial in the Australian possum is marsupial in Australia.
2. Opossums are found in North and South, while possums are found only in Australia.
3. Opossums have a white face with black markings, while possums have a black faces with white markings.
4. Opossums have 50 teeth, while possums have 36 teeth.
5. Opossums have prehensile tails, while possums do not.
6. Opossums are nocturnal, while possums are diurnal.
7. Opossums are omnivorous, while possums are herbivorous.
8. Opossums typically live in trees, while possums live on the ground.
9. The Virginia opossum is the official state animal of North Carolina, while the other possum is not the official state animal of any Australian state.
10. The scientific name for the Virginia opossum is Didelphis virginia, while the scientific name for the Australian opossum is Trichosurus vulpecula.
11. The Virginia opossum was first described by Linnaeus in 1758, while George Shaw first described the Australian possum in 1792.
12. The Virginia opossum is sometimes called a "possum," while the Australian possum is never called an "opossum."
13. Possum" is a Native American word, while "opossum" is a Latin word.
14. Possum" is the correct spelling in Australian English, while "opossum" is the correct spelling in American English.
15. There is only one species of Virginia opossum, while there are more than 60 species of Australian possum.

So, as you can see, there are some major differences between opossums and possums. You can also read some insights on Effective Ways To Keep Possums Away From Your Home.

Conclusion

Possums are small marsupials native to the Americas, while opossums are a type of marsupial native to Australia. Both animals are nocturnal and omnivorous, but possums are smaller and have a prehensile tail, while opossums do not. Possums also tend to be more arboreal, while opossums are more terrestrial.

So, while there are some similarities between possums and opossums, there are also some differences. Possums are found in the Americas, while opossums are found in Australia. Possums are smaller, have a prehensile tail, and are more arboreal, while opossums are more terrestrial.

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