Opossum vs. Possum

Credit: INK Blog

The common misconception of these nocturnal marsupials

For the longest time, I thought opossums and possums were the same. Maybe you say these names in different places, or it’s just a British thing. However, they are two distinct species/animals.

Differences:

• Opossums are native to the Americas (Northern Costa Rica to Southern Canada, while Possums are native to Australia.

• The possum is smaller than the opposum (racoon size)

• Opossums live 2-4 years in the wild while possums live up to 8-12 years in the wild

• Opossums have long fur with long pointed snouts. Possums have short rounded snouts with medium- long fur.

Similarities:

• Nocturnal

• Marsupials

• Omnivores - eat fruits, plants, insects, small animals

• They both carry their young in pouches

• Tree dwelling - use their tails to hang upside down

• Carry diseases like leptospirosis and parasites

• Grayish-brown fur

Even though these animals are different and have different spellings, people still call them “possums” and gets rid of the “o”.

Quiz! Which animal is this? Answer on the bottom of references

References:

https://blog.inkforall.com/possum-vs-opossum

(Info + Image credit)

https://www.terminix.com/blog/home-garden/possum-vs-opossum-differences/

(Info credit)

https://www.oceanaconservation.org/newsblog/2018/8/23/opossum

(Image credit)

Answer: Oposum!