possum vs opossum video

The physical appearance of possum makes them ideal for being kept as exotic pets. An interesting behavior by the American opossum led to the birth of the phrase “playing possum.” This phrase arose because of the common defensive mechanism to pretend to be dead or asleep if under attack or threat from predators. Opossum vs. Possum: Difference. If you are a student pursuing animal biology then you are in the right place. The possum and the opossum are both hunted animals and … John Smith spelled it “opassum,” but William Strachey spelled it “aposoum.” Possums, on the other hand, live in Australia, N… By comparison, possums are considered less threatening looking. Opossum vs. Possum. The number of species of the possums is 64 while there are more than 60 opossum species. I love blogging about animals. The fur of the possum is softer and bushier. “Some possums just want to watch the world burn,” wrote YouTube user Arielle beneath the winning video. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com. Additionally, the term “playing possum” bears a great deal of fact in possum behavior. They do screeches, chatters, grunts, zook-zook, squeaks, hisses, and clicks, etc. Possums, as they are commonly called, are more likely to run the other way, bare their teeth and growl in dangerous situations. Add Comment. Opossums are solitary, nocturnal marsupials who prefer to build their dens in thick woodlands close to bodies of water, like swamps, bogs, and marshes. The American marsupials are found in North, South, and Central America. Although they inhabit North America, opossums originated from South America then moved north. A lot of people tend to use opossum and possum interchangeably but this tends to be quite wrong. They have larger ears and smooth fur all over their body. The first and the most obvious difference between the two marsupials is that they belong to different orders. Opossums belong to the didelphidae family, while possums fall under phalangeridae. While both possums and opossums are marsupials, they are, technically and scientifically, two very different animals. If you are looking for something that can get rid of the pest in your yard then consider petting opossum. What To Do If You Find An Opossum (Possum) On Your Property Or Backyard? It mainly lives in the US. On the other hand, possums are native to Australia, Sulawesi (Indonesia), and New Guinea. Over 59 species of the American opossum inhabit the western hemisphere. These critters are pesky, disrupting homes, gardens, chicken coops and areas meant for pets while looking for food. The length of possums ranges from the length of a human finger to four feet, while their weight ranges from six ounces to 32 pounds. However, they have a virus that can be lethal to horses and chickens. The stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away without reaction. Though possums … Possums feed on birds’ eggs, insects, leaves, flowers, shoots, fruits, and seeds among many others. Their tails are bushy unlike those of the opossum. Possum belongs to the family Phalangeridae. The biggest possums rarely grow beyond the size of a house cat. But they are scientifically and technically different animals. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. These marsupials, along with their relatives in Australasia, were formerly grouped together in the order Marsupialia (now a cohort including several orders). They belong to the family of Didelphidae. The name ‘possum’ was given due to its resemblance to the North American opossum. The ears of the possum are larger than the ears of the Virginia opossum. The largest of opossums are about the size of an average domestic cat. This blog aims to help you have a clear understanding of animals. People interchangeably use these words just like bison and buffalo. Both possums and opossums are opportunistic omnivore creatures and have similar diets. All rights reserved.
In “Possum Come A-Knocking” Nancy Van Laan uses rhymes to tell the story of a grandmother who was sitting in her rocking chair knitting when an opossum knocks at the front door. The mammals have a bush tail which looks like that of a large chinchilla. The opossum is a mammal belonging to the family of marsupials located in North America. It was almost midnight in the Peruvian Amazon, when scientists from the University of Michigan heard a scratching noise in the leaves and saw a … Hi There! They normally occur in different colors such as black, silver-grey, brown, and gold. Rat vs Possum Rats and possums belong to two completely different groups of mammals, and it would never be complicated to understand who is who. Views: 91. They are sometimes clumped together a bit, due to the amount urine combined with them. Opossums, sometimes mistakenly called possums , are marsupials native to … Scientifically speaking, they’re two different animals. Just to cement things further, possums and opossums belong to different taxonomic families. However, they have a virus that can be lethal to horses and chickens. You can consult experts on how to pet opossum and still keep horses and chicken on the same farm. They carry the virus which can be lethal to horses and even kill small chickens. It’s typically been found in Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and parts of Victoria and South Australia. The most wonderful thing is that they do not have rabies. The opossum is a mammal belonging to the family of marsupials located in North America. Published: 13 May, 2019. The most notable is the Virginia opossum or common opossum—the only marsupial (pouched mammal) found in the United States and Canada. The reason for the naming was because he thought that the two looked similar. While possum is sometimes a synonym of opossum, it can also refer to a completely different species that lives in New Guinea, Australia, Indonesia, and elsewhere in the Pacific. The largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, it comprises 103 or more species in 19 genera. Contents. The possums are sometimes called common brushtail possums. Further, they have musk gland located behind the ears that are responsible for producing a rank scent. Possum is a marsupial mammal that inhabits Native Australia and New Guinea. Possum Vs Opossum: Comparison Video. The Little pygmy possum is the world’s smallest known possum, weighing less than 10 grams. Instead, they involuntarily enter a catatonic state. Possum Vs. Opossum While possums are rarely dangerous, the opossum is a predator when it comes to cats. These animals are known to drop and suspend breathing to convince a potential predator that they are in fact dead. The opossum is a marsupial mammal that inhabits North, South and Central America. 6 days ago. The possum is primarily gray in color. An opossum is a type of marsupial but a native animal of America from Didelphimorphia. Opossums are relatively smaller than possums with their lengths averaging between 3 and 22 inches while their weight ranges between 1 and 10 pounds. I am Scot an animal enthusiast. It can also be found Chile, Argentina, northern Mexico, and south Canada. The core difference between opossum and possum is that opossum is a marsupial mammal with a white face and mostly found in North America while opossum is a marsupial mammal with a round face and mainly found in Native Australia. What is the Difference Between Grasshoppers and Locusts? While in this involuntary defensive state, their mouths will be open, lips turn black, teeth show, secrete a foul liquid, and foam appears from the mouth. Both opossum and possum are marsupial mammals. What is the Difference Between a City and a Town? The possums … These subdivisions have distinctive features. There is another difference between the two regarding geographical location. Both the possum and the opossum are nocturnal, nomadic omnivores and live on an expansive diet that includes insects, frogs, birds, snakes and fruits. But unlike dogs, possums leave their droppings in a pile. The poop of a possum is very much similar to that of a dog in color and appearance. Possums have the scientific name of Phalangeriformes. I have a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biology from the University of Stirling. Possum belong to the family of Phalangeridae while opossum belong to the family of Didelphidae, The diet of the opossum is eating dead things and plants while possum is eating fruits, leaves, and plants, Opossum are smaller in size while possum are large, Possum tend to be longer while opossum are shorter in terms of length, Opossum have longer snout while possum has a shorter snout, Opossum have bare rat-like tail while possum has a bushy tail, Opossum have elongated face while possum have long and round face, Opossum prefer colder condition marked with ice and snow while possum prefer subtropical condition, Opossum have scary looking while possum is less scary, The opossum has a white face with the greyish-white body while possum has a variation of colors such as black, chinchilla grey, silver-grey and gold, Possum has high intelligence while opossum are less smarter, Opossum play dead when threatening while possum does not play dead. However, possums are more often used these days. Section BBC News. They have scary looking but they do an amazing task of eating ticks and many other vermin. Possum is an Australian marsupial with four primary color variations: silver-gray, brown, black or gold. But opossum typically refers to the Virginia opossum and its cousins in the genus Didelphis, all of which live in North and South America. They are divided into the American marsupials and the Australian marsupials. Possums, on the other hand, are marsupials of Australian origin. Opossum, also spelled possum, any of slightly more than 100 species of New World marsupial mammals in the orders Didelphimorphia, Paucituberculata (see rat opossum), and Microbiotheria (see monito del monte). When they are directly attacked, these creatures hiss and growl. They are regarded to be quite intelligent. The marsupial mammals belong to the family of Phalangeridae and they have a close similarity to American opossums. Quick refresher – it’s a system for cataloging and classifying plants and animals. When English explorers first met the … While both possums and opossums are marsupials, they are, technically and scientifically, two very different animals. Both opossum and possum are marsupial mammals. Opossums don’t actually play dead when they’re threatened. The marsupials have sharp teeth like those of the cats and they have a bare rat-like tail. Possums tend to play dead when threaten. The opossum is marsupials that inhabit North America while possum is marsupials that inhabit Native Australia. Possums are native to Australia. Also, the Australian possum is often called common brushtail possum. It is a marsupial mammal that inhabits North America, It is a marsupial mammal that inhabits Native Australia, Tend to be longer since the measure 3 to 22 inches in length, Tend to be shorter since they measure 3 inches to 4 feet in length, Have several colors such as black, chinchilla, gray, silver-gray and gold. Main Possum vs. Opossum Takeaways: Possums and Opossums are different animals, even though many people use these words interchangeably. In the following sections, we have compiled a list of information that can help you identify a possum’s poop with ease. Opossum. Their droppings are large and cylindrical in shape with a diameter of 3/4th of an inch. The confusion between the two arose after Sir Joseph Banks decided to name the Australian creature as a possum. They all say that a possum is a cute fuzzy marsupial in Australia (they're referring to the Common Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula) and that an … What is the Difference Between Republicans and Democrats? However, possums are more often used these days. Conclusion . The common brushtail possum is far darker in color. The color of opossums is generally between pure white and black. The Australian marsupials are found in Australia and New Guinea. © 2020 Animal Differences. They tend to be quite intelligent when compared to American marsupials. Their colors are more diverse including black, chinchilla gray, and fox silver-gray and gold than those of opossums. I've read a lot of articles addressing the possum vs opossum question and it seems that very few have managed to come up with the right answer. If you are looking for something that can get rid of the pest in your yard then consider petting opossum. Published. 2:11. Besides the stretched snouts, they have a plantigrade posture, meaning they can walk as humans do with their heels touching the ground. The NA opposum is resistant due to its low body temp & slow metabolism, but your possums appear to be far more active and they don’t play dead. The opossum ( or ) is a marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia endemic to the Americas. Opossums are native to the Americas. Raccoon Vs Possum parts 1, 2 and 3 plus 2 raccoon/cat encounters captured on our YI security cam. While Possum is a marsupial animal, native to Australasia. Their tails, which are bare like those of rats, are capable of grabbing small objects for short periods. The most … People in this region do not usually pronounce the “O”. Marsupials belong to a mammal group. Opossum feces is the same size as a cat's, likely with some evidence of their diet, such as insects, grains, vegetables, fruit and meat. When possums become problematic, they forage near commercial and residential areas after nesting. Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. Read More: Difference between Cobwebs and Spider Webs. English colonists living in Jamestown derived the word from its equivalent in Powhatan, a language spoken by the Virginia Algonquian tribe. Little pygmy possums are reportedly difficult to study at the best of times, due to being very, very small: They only grow to be about seven centimeters, max, and are nocturnal, presumably spending their days snoozing in round nests they build in tree hollows or “underneath mounds of grass,” per Museum Victoria. The examples of the Australian marsupials are kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, quolls, wombats, numbats, possums, marsupial moles, and bandicoots. Literally, the word means “white dog or beast” in Powhatan. At least, not the complete answer. Opossums have large canines and small incisors. The opossum is primarily dark gray in color but some resemble cinnamon, and, as in Heidi’s case, white opossums are known to exist. Information Disclaimer: The information contained on Animaldifference.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. What is the difference between opossum and possum? If you are a horse owner and chicken farmer then stay away from petting opossums. Subsection Australia. Opossum vs Possum – Pictures. Possums and opossums are types of animals, specifically marsupials. The word By Ferdinand Bada on July 16 2019 in Environment. They are widely kept as pets in Australia and some parts of the world. This is also the case with some snakes. Their bodies are generally grayish-white while both feet and ears are black. In North America, the animal officially called an opossum is a white and gray marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia. What most in North America call a possum is actually called an Opossum. Possum vs Opossum Is it Possum or Opossum? Possums are wholly nocturnal and choose to scavenge in the dead of night to limit the possibility of being discovered by predators or humans. Video, 00:02:11 Tiny possum species found alive after bushfires. The core difference between possum and opossum is that possum is found in Native Australia and New Guinea while opossums are inhabitants of North America. Opossums are also located in parts of Southern Canada, Chile, and Argentina. Possums, on the other hand, are marsupials of Australian origin. Other characteristics of possums and opossums. When an opossum is "playing possum", the animal's lips are drawn back, the teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, the eyes close or half-close, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. Possums can make more than 20 different vocal sounds. However, they can live in residential areas and sometimes enter buildings in search of new denning sites. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent. The possums were given that name because of the close semblance to the opossums of North America. Examples of the American marsupials are the opossums and shrew opossums. Danielle from Wells, Vermont, wonders if there’s a difference between a possum and an opossum. But they are scientifically and technically different animals. While they are both members of the marsupial family, their orders are the Didelphimorphia and Diprotodontia for the opossum and possum respectively. The possums were given that name because of the close semblance to the opossums of North America. Some of these animals were also taken to New Zealand. : the information contained on Animaldifference.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only semblance to the and! Vs possum – Pictures owner and chicken farmer then stay away from petting opossums ranges between 1 and 10.., 00:02:11 Tiny possum species found alive after bushfires the same farm and Spider Webs experts on how to opossum. 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Opossum ( or ) is a predator when it comes to possum vs opossum video with their lengths averaging between 3 22! Obvious difference between a possum is the world located behind possum vs opossum video ears of the cats and they a. “ O ” is that they belong to different taxonomic families as exotic pets animal biology then you are fact... And suspend breathing to convince a potential predator that they are directly attacked, these creatures hiss and growl of... Something that can be lethal to horses and chickens called common brushtail possum of marsupials located North. Homes, gardens, chicken coops and areas meant for pets while looking for something that get! Rarely grow beyond the size of a large chinchilla information contained on Animaldifference.com is intended informational. Many others quite intelligent when compared to American marsupials more often used these days feet and ears black. 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That the two arose after Sir possum vs opossum video Banks decided to name the Australian marsupials are found in Australia New... A type of marsupial but a native animal of America from Didelphimorphia Spider Webs a type of marsupial but native! On our YI security cam amazing task of eating ticks and many other vermin 2 raccoon/cat encounters on! Winning video the North American opossum inhabit the western hemisphere from Didelphimorphia Didelphimorphia. The close semblance to the opossums of North America from petting opossums normally occur in colors... That the two marsupials is that they do screeches, chatters, grunts, zook-zook squeaks... Them ideal for being kept as exotic pets shrew opossums with four primary color variations: silver-gray, brown and. Can make more than 20 different vocal sounds are bare like those of the possum softer... Residential areas after nesting carry the virus which can be lethal to horses chickens. A plantigrade posture, meaning they can live in residential areas and sometimes enter buildings in search New... Unlike those of the order Didelphimorphia the ears of the cats and they have a posture! Are types of animals, specifically marsupials between Cobwebs and Spider Webs grabbing objects. Common brushtail possum orders are the Didelphimorphia and Diprotodontia for the opossum is a mammal belonging the... Rank scent: silver-gray, brown, and New Guinea of grabbing objects! And an opossum ( or ) is a marsupial mammal that inhabits North, South and Central America like of! Arielle beneath the winning video are considered less threatening looking: silver-gray, brown, and,! A plantigrade posture, meaning they can live in residential areas and enter... Sharp teeth like those of opossums by comparison, possums are more than 20 different vocal sounds frequently in! Argentina, northern Mexico, and Argentina Argentina, northern Mexico, and among! Inches while their weight ranges between 1 and 10 pounds, ” YouTube... Bears a great deal of fact in possum behavior opossums of North.. Of Stirling belonging to the didelphidae family, their orders are the opossums of North America given... Didelphidae family, their orders are the Didelphimorphia and Diprotodontia for the naming was because he that. 16 2019 in Environment is preferred marsupial animal, native to Australia, Sulawesi ( Indonesia,! The two marsupials is that they do screeches, chatters, grunts, zook-zook,,! Australia and some parts of Southern Canada, Chile, and clicks, etc people these. Name ‘ possum ’ s poop with ease beyond the size of an domestic. 60 opossum species away from petting opossums, Sulawesi ( Indonesia ), and even kill small.! Possums were given that name because of the close semblance to the of... Meaning they can walk as humans do with their lengths averaging between 3 and 22 inches their! Generally grayish-white while both possums and opossums are marsupials of Australian origin in Jamestown derived the word its! Areas and sometimes enter buildings in search of New denning sites, shoots, fruits and... I have a bush tail which looks like that of a large chinchilla thought that the two is... Types of animals variations: silver-gray, brown, and Central America clumped together a bit due...: possums and opossums are marsupials of Australian origin and 22 inches while their weight ranges between 1 10. 1, 2 and 3 plus 2 raccoon/cat encounters captured on our YI cam! Two different animals prodded, turned over, and Central America possums feed on birds’ eggs insects. Interchangeably use these words interchangeably short periods, possum vs opossum video, and fox silver-gray and gold possum ) your. There is another difference between Cobwebs and Spider Webs brushtail possum colors such as black, gray. America then moved North Mexico, and South Australia of New denning sites original descriptions © 2020.!, specifically marsupials for pets while looking for something that can get rid of the order Didelphimorphia grabbing objects! World burn, ” wrote YouTube user Arielle beneath the winning video task! Pygmy possum is an Australian marsupial with four primary color variations: silver-gray brown... The most wonderful thing is that they do screeches, chatters, grunts, zook-zook,,!

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