Common Ringtail Possum

Australian marsupial · tree climber · nocturnal

Night shift climbers. Common ringtail possums are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and wake up at night to explore the forest canopy. Their big eyes help them see perfectly in the dark.

Picky eaters. These possums munch on eucalyptus leaves and other plants, carefully choosing which leaves taste best. They have special stomachs that can digest tough leaves that would make other animals sick.

Curly tail magic. Their name comes from their distinctive ringed tail that curls up like a question mark. The tail helps them balance while leaping between branches and can even help them grip branches like a fifth limb.

Tiny joeys travel. Baby ringtail possums, called joeys, ride on their mother's back as she travels through the trees. The mother can teach her babies which plants are safe to eat.

Cozy tree homes. These possums build special nests called dreys using leaves, bark, and twigs tucked into tree hollows. Several possums might share one nest to stay warm on cold nights.