Possum Napping Places: A Guide To Their Australian Siestas

Possums are nocturnal marsupials native to Australia. They are known to be adaptable and have adjusted to living in close association with humans. During the day, possums sleep in tree hollows or, in the case of Ringtails, in spherical nests called dreys, which are made from grass and shredded bark. Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to trap or relocate them without a permit. While possums typically sleep in trees, they have been known to take shelter in roofs, garages, and other human-made structures.

Possums sleep in tree hollows

Possums are nocturnal marsupials that are native to Australia. They are known to sleep in tree hollows during the day, staying hidden away from predators. Possums are highly adaptable and can easily adjust to life in urban environments, which is why they are often found in residential areas.

The two most common types of possums in Australia are the Brushtail Possum and the Ringtail Possum. Brushtail Possums are about the size of a domestic cat, with large pointed ears, grey fur, and a bushy black tail. They are widely found throughout Australia, including Tasmania, and are known to inhabit rainforests, eucalypt forests, and native bushland. During the day, Brushtails nest in hollow trees and branches or seek shelter in thick tree foliage to stay safe from predators.

On the other hand, Ringtail Possums are smaller, about half the size of a cat. They have round ears, a grey back with rusty sides, and a curled tail with a white tip. Ringtails are predominantly found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. They build spherical nests called "dreys" in tree hollows, tree forks, or dense vegetation, and several individuals may share a single nest.

Due to the decline in available tree hollows caused by land clearance, possums often move into human residences through holes in roofs and establish homes there. Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to trap or relocate them without following specific guidelines. To discourage possums from entering your roof, you can block off their access points and provide alternative den sites, such as nest boxes installed in nearby trees.

Ringtails sleep in nests (or 'dreys') in trees

Ringtails, or Eastern Ringtail Possums, are nocturnal and sleep during the day in nests or 'dreys' made from grass and shredded bark. These spherical nests are built in tree hollows, tree forks, or dense vegetation, and several individuals may share a single nest. Ringtails are sociable and can have overlapping home territories with other Ringtail Possums.

Ringtails are predominantly found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. They are highly adaptable and have adjusted well to living in close association with humans. They are often found in suburban gardens and residential areas at night but are rarely seen during the day as they sleep in their nests.

The Ringtail Possum gets its name from its long, tapering tail, which is prehensile and used like a fifth limb to climb and jump between branches, fences, and power lines. The possum's forefeet have a gap between the second and third fingers, allowing it to grip branches securely.

Ringtails are smaller than Brushtail Possums, typically about half the size of a cat. They have grey backs with rusty sides, white underparts, and a curled tail with a white tip. The Eastern Ringtail Possum is grey with white patches behind the eyes and on the belly, and orange-brown tinges on the tail and limbs.

Ringtails build their nests or dreys in trees, usually several meters above the ground. In southern Australia, these nests can be found up to four meters high in trees. Ringtails rarely enter house roofs, preferring to build their dreys in natural settings.

Possums sleep in roofs

Brushtail possums, which are commonly found in urban areas, favour big old gum trees with hollows to nest in. But with these trees becoming less common, they may move into roofs through holes and establish homes for themselves inside where it is safe and dark. Possums typically enter roofs at night when humans are less likely to be around.

If you suspect a possum has taken up residence in your roof, you may hear loud noises as they move around or notice stains and odours from their urine. You may also find chewed cables or damage from scratching and chewing. To confirm the presence of possums, you can try the "Apple Test" by placing an apple in your ceiling overnight. If it's mostly gone by morning, possums are likely the culprit.

While possums are protected by Australian laws and cannot be killed, they can be relocated humanely. To encourage a possum to move out of your roof, you can try providing alternative housing, such as a wildlife nest box in your garden or a nearby tree. You can also block entry points and trim overhanging branches to prevent them from entering. Remember, possums are territorial, so if you do trap and release a possum, it must be within 50 metres of where it was caught to avoid introducing it to an area already occupied by other possums.

Possums sleep in garages

Possums are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active at night and rest during the day. They are known to sleep in hollowed-out trees or logs, abandoned burrows, and human structures such as attics, garages, and sheds.

In Australia, possums typically sleep in tree hollows or, in the case of Ringtails in southern Australia, in nests called dreys that are built up to 4 metres high in trees. However, due to land clearing and the sharp decline in available tree hollows, possums have adapted to sleeping in human structures, particularly roofs and garages.

If you find a possum in your garage, it is important to remember that they are wild animals that can carry diseases and may become aggressive if they feel threatened. Here are some steps you can take to safely remove a possum from your garage:

• Identify the possum: Possums are generally 20 to 36 inches long with gray fur, a white face, and a long, hairless tail. They are intelligent and excellent climbers.
• Remove food sources: To encourage the possum to enter a trap, remove all other food sources from the garage, such as trash, pet food, and birdseed.
• Place and set the trap: Put the trap in an area with high possum activity and on an even surface to prevent the possum from knocking it over. Set the trap according to the instructions, using sweet bait such as honey buns or bananas.
• Monitor the trap: Check the trap at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Do not leave a possum trapped in the cage for more than 24 hours.
• Relocate the possum: Once you have captured the possum, approach the trap slowly and gently, and release it far away from your home. Make sure to follow local guidelines for relocating wildlife.
• Prevent future invasions: To prevent possums from returning to your garage, seal all entry points, keep the garage door closed, and remove clutter and potential food sources.

By following these steps, you can safely and humanely remove possums from your garage and prevent them from returning.

Possums sleep in nests on the ground

Possums are nocturnal, tree-dwelling animals that are active at night. They are known to sleep in tree hollows and nests during the day. While it is less common, some possums may also sleep on the ground.

The Eastern Ringtail Possum, for instance, builds a spherical nest or 'drey' made from grass and shredded bark. It constructs its nest in a tree hole, tree fork, or dense vegetation, and several individuals may share the same nest.

The Common Brushtail Possum, on the other hand, prefers to nest in hollow trees and branches or shelter in thick tree or bush foliage during the day. They also tend to use other resources provided by humans, such as roof spaces and open-sided garages.

It is worth noting that possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 in Victoria, Australia. While relocation of problem possums is prohibited, other control options are available. Possums must not be harmed, harassed, or interfered with in any way without approval from the relevant authorities.

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