Possum and opossum are often treated as two spellings for the same animal, especially in North America. However, they can also refer to different groups of marsupials.
An opossum is an American marsupial, such as the Virginia opossum. A possum is generally an Australasian marsupial, such as the common brushtail possum. In everyday North American speech, “possum” is also an accepted shortened name for an opossum.
Possum vs Opossum: Quick Comparison
Both animals are marsupials, meaning their young are born at an early developmental stage and typically continue growing while attached to a teat, often inside a pouch. However, opossums and Australasian possums belong to different taxonomic groups and have noticeably different appearances.
| Feature | Opossum | Possum |
| Main location | North, Central, and South America | Mainly Australia; some species occur in nearby regions |
| Common example | Virginia opossum | Common brushtail possum |
| Typical face | Long, narrow, and pointed | Shorter and more rounded |
| Tail | Usually mostly hairless and scaly | Usually furry or partly furred |
| Body covering | Coarse gray or gray-white fur | Softer gray, brown, black, or golden fur |
| Main lifestyle | Ground-dwelling and climbing | Often strongly adapted to trees |
| Scientific group | Didelphimorphia | Mainly Diprotodontia |
What Is an Opossum?
Opossums are marsupials native to the Americas. The Virginia opossum, scientifically known as Didelphis virginiana, is the species most familiar to people in the United States and Canada.
It has a pale face, pointed snout, rounded dark ears, coarse gray fur, short legs, and a long, nearly hairless prehensile tail. Its hind feet have opposable toes that help it grip branches.
Opossum Identification
Common characteristics include:
- A long, narrow snout
- A pale or white face
- Black, mostly hairless ears
- Coarse gray fur
- A pink nose
- A long, scaly tail
- Sharp teeth
- Five toes on each foot
The Virginia opossum spends considerable time on the ground but is also an effective climber. It is nocturnal, solitary, and active mainly between dusk and dawn.
Opossum Range and Habitat
Virginia opossums occur from parts of Central America through Mexico and much of the United States, extending north into Canada. They occupy forests, thickets, wetlands, deserts, agricultural land, and suburban areas, although they generally prefer habitats near water.
What Is a Possum?
The name possum commonly refers to several Australasian marsupials. It does not describe one single species. Well-known examples include the common brushtail possum and eastern ringtail possum.
The common brushtail possum has the scientific name Trichosurus vulpecula. It lives in forests, woodlands, heathland, and urban environments throughout much of Australia. It was also introduced to New Zealand, where it became an invasive pest species.
Possum Identification
Australasian possums vary considerably, but many have:
- A rounded face
- Large forward-facing eyes
- Short rounded or pointed ears
- Thick gray, brown, or black fur
- A pink nose
- A furry or partly furry tail
- Strong climbing claws
- A compact body
The eastern ringtail possum has a long, prehensile tail with fur on top, a white tip, and a relatively hairless underside. It uses its tail like a fifth limb while climbing through trees, fences, and power lines.
Possum Habitat and Behavior
Many possums are strongly arboreal and spend much of their lives in trees. Common brushtail possums shelter during the day in tree hollows, hollow logs, dark spaces, and sometimes roof cavities. They emerge at night to search for leaves, blossoms, fruits, and other available foods.
Opossum vs Possum Appearance
The easiest way to distinguish them is by examining the face and tail. An American opossum generally has a sharp, rat-like face and a mostly bare tail. An Australian possum usually has a rounder face, larger eyes, and more fur covering its tail.
| Body feature | American opossum | Australian possum |
| Head shape | Long and triangular | Shorter and rounded |
| Eyes | Relatively small and dark | Often large and prominent |
| Ears | Dark and mostly hairless | Usually furred at the base |
| Nose | Pink and pointed | Pink or dark, less elongated |
| Tail | Scaly and mostly hairless | Bushy, furry, or partly furred |
| Coat | Coarse and uneven | Usually soft and dense |
| Overall appearance | Rat-like or primitive-looking | More similar to a squirrel or small fox |
Opossum vs Possum Size
Size varies significantly among possum species, so there is no single measurement that applies to all of them.
A typical Virginia opossum has a body length of around 16 inches, plus an approximately 11-inch tail. Adults commonly weigh about 4.2 to 6.2 pounds, with males generally heavier than females.
An eastern ringtail possum has a body measuring approximately 30 to 35 centimeters, with a tail of about the same length. It generally weighs between 700 and 1,100 grams. The common brushtail possum is larger and can approach the size of a domestic cat.
Possum vs Opossum Diet
Both animals are adaptable feeders, but their typical diets differ.
| Food type | Opossum | Possum |
| Insects and worms | Commonly eaten | Occasionally eaten by some species |
| Small animals | May eat rodents, birds, frogs, and reptiles | Less important for many species |
| Carrion | Common food source | Not usually a primary food |
| Leaves | Eaten occasionally | Important food for many species |
| Fruit and flowers | Commonly eaten | Commonly eaten |
| Human food | May raid garbage or pet bowls | May raid gardens, roofs, and kitchens |
Virginia opossums are opportunistic omnivores that consume insects, worms, small vertebrates, fruits, seeds, and plant material. Common brushtail possums primarily eat leaves, flowers, and fruits but may consume many other foods around urban homes.
Do Possums and Opossums Play Dead?
“Playing possum” is most strongly associated with the Virginia opossum. When extremely frightened, it may collapse, become stiff, bare its teeth, drool, and appear dead.
This reaction is not usually a conscious performance. It is an involuntary defensive response that may discourage predators interested in live prey. Adult opossums may also hiss, display their teeth, screech, climb, or flee.
Australasian possums generally rely on climbing, hiding, vocalizing, biting, or scratching rather than regularly displaying the same dramatic death-feigning response.
Opossum vs Possum Lifespan
Virginia opossums have unusually short lives for animals of their size. They generally survive only about 1.5 to 2 years in the wild, while individuals receiving professional care may live for three or four years.
The lifespan of a possum depends on its species, environment, predators, food supply, and exposure to vehicles or disease. It should not be assumed that every Australian possum has the same lifespan.
Opossum vs Possum Pronunciation
“Opossum” may be pronounced uh-POSS-um, with the first vowel spoken, or POSS-um, with the initial “o” silent. Both pronunciations are recognized in North American English.
“Possum” is pronounced POSS-um. In scientific or formal North American writing, “opossum” is clearer. In casual conversation, Americans frequently call the Virginia opossum a possum.
Are Possums or Opossums Dangerous?
Neither animal normally seeks confrontation with people. A cornered opossum may hiss and display its teeth, while a frightened possum may scratch or bite. Both should be treated as wild animals and given space to escape.
Rabies is possible in any mammal, but the CDC notes that opossums hardly ever have the disease. Nevertheless, any bite or scratch should be washed immediately with soap and water and discussed with a healthcare provider or local public-health authority.
FAQs
Is it called a possum or an opossum?
Both can be correct in North America. Opossum is the formal name for American marsupials, while possum is a widely accepted shortened version. In Australia, possum normally refers to separate marsupials such as brushtail and ringtail possums.
Are possums and opossums related?
Yes, both are marsupials, but they are not the same animals. American opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia, while many Australian possums belong to Diprotodontia. Their shared marsupial ancestry is distant, and they developed separately in different regions.
Which is bigger, a possum or an opossum?
It depends on the possum species being compared. A Virginia opossum is roughly cat-sized, while Australian possums range from tiny pygmy species to larger brushtail possums. A common brushtail and Virginia opossum can be similar in overall size.
Do Australian possums play dead?
Australian possums are not particularly known for playing dead. They are more likely to climb, hide, make threatening sounds, scratch, or bite when cornered. The famous involuntary “playing possum” behavior is primarily associated with the Virginia opossum.
Is a New Zealand possum different from an American opossum?
Yes. New Zealand’s widely established possum is the common brushtail possum, which was introduced from Australia. The American opossum belongs to a separate marsupial group and has a pointed white face and mostly hairless tail.
