Common Brushtail Possum

marsupial · Australian animal · nocturnal

Night hunter. Common brushtail possums are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and wake up at night to hunt for food. Their big eyes help them see perfectly in the dark.

Tree climbers. These possums are semiarboreal, spending much of their time up in trees where they hunt for leaves, bark, and insects. Their strong claws and brush-like tail help them grip branches and balance while climbing.

Marsupial moms. Like kangaroos and koalas, brushtail possums are marsupials, meaning babies grow in a pouch on their mother's belly. Baby possums stay safe and warm inside until they're big enough to explore the world.

Second biggest possum. The common brushtail possum is the second-largest type of possum in Australia and New Zealand, with a stocky body and that distinctive fluffy tail. They're about the size of a rabbit or small cat.

Invasive in New Zealand. While they're native to Australia, common brushtail possums are invasive in New Zealand, meaning they arrived there accidentally and now cause problems by eating plants and spreading disease. New Zealand didn't have them naturally, so the ecosystem struggles with their presence.