American opossums look like large rats. And n all my years in the US I never knew one to “play possum. Rather they’ve all hissed and spit and shown impressively large teeth when approached.
Australian possums (named after their American cousins) are much larger, cuter, and seemingly more laid back – except when fighting each other, then their howls are blood-curdling.
This one has been living in our shed most of the last year. When he was smaller he had a sibling living with him (I think they were both young males), but at some point they went their separate ways.
He sleeps in the shed roof all day and prowls at night. Sometimes I leave him a bit of apple or the like, but in general I prefer not to feed the wildlife.
Here’s a photo of a Brushtail I took a few years ago. They’re the size of hefty cat. Colors run from golden (an uncommon color morph) through the grays, reds, browns and all the way to black. Tails, except on the Golden, are always black.
She’s ready to give one of the cottontails some entertainment, should he make an appearance. That’s her lawn chair in the background, when I’m not sitting in it.
I saw a possum at a friends farm here in ND last summer. First one I’ve ever seen in the state. I wasn’t even sure what it was at first, but the rats don’t get that big around here.
The first time I saw an opossum I thought it was the world’s biggest rat. I think I was about seven at the time and no one had ever told me there was such a critter before.
In Tasmania we also have Ringtail possum, which are smaller and have smooth furred prehensile tail.
At times like this I feel the insanity of taking critters into our homes and hearts knowing that we will most likely out-live, and grieve for, them. Yet, not for a moment would I consider living without them. One of life’s many paradoxes.
I lost two of my last three dogs at what seemed well-before-their-time (eight & seven [both Pyrs, one to a brain tumor and the other to a bad heart], and the survivor, a corgi-mix that had a good stretch of thirteen years).
And yet here I am – with yet more “fluff buckets” messing up the house and messing with my heart.
If and when you are ready, a puppy makes a very effective anodyne to grief.
Although less frequently, Lily continues to sit on Luna.
And that . . .
Maybe they’d like to get into synchronized swimming. 🙂
I’d try that, but I’ve yet to have a Pyr that swims. Wandering into the water ’til their soaked through, yes. Actual swimming, no.
has a daily throw down with the “wren” in my car’s mirror. I left the window open one day and this happened.
I rolled down the windows and he finally got out. And yes, my back seat really is that covered in dog hair.
On a recent very hot day our resident Brush-tail possum was belly up in the roof of our shed.
If you look closely you can see where he’d been licking the fur on his legs in and effort to cool down.
I can’t say much for possums but I am always impressed with their claws. Even the littlest ones around here look like Freddy Krueger.
American opossums look like large rats. And n all my years in the US I never knew one to “play possum. Rather they’ve all hissed and spit and shown impressively large teeth when approached.
Australian possums (named after their American cousins) are much larger, cuter, and seemingly more laid back – except when fighting each other, then their howls are blood-curdling.
This one has been living in our shed most of the last year. When he was smaller he had a sibling living with him (I think they were both young males), but at some point they went their separate ways.
He sleeps in the shed roof all day and prowls at night. Sometimes I leave him a bit of apple or the like, but in general I prefer not to feed the wildlife.
The only ones I’ve seen play possum were road kill so technically they weren’t playing. 😉
If you ever get a full shot of your resident, I’d be interested to see him.
Here’s a photo of a Brushtail I took a few years ago. They’re the size of hefty cat. Colors run from golden (an uncommon color morph) through the grays, reds, browns and all the way to black. Tails, except on the Golden, are always black.
And here’s a diary that featured a friend’s hand-reared possum (named Frankie) that comes in in the evenings for some food and a cuddle.
How could I forget such a cute critter.
Just two shi
tps passing.(I’m just a little grumpy with them since all three dogs decided that 4:30 a.m. was a reasonable time to start going in and out and out and in and …)
click for larger
And the sun comes up, what, about 7:30am? That’s just cause for grumpness, imho.
Today’s shaping up as “changeable”. There’s currently a wind bringing that funky/tangy air that comes before a front.
Well I usually get up between 5 and 5:30 but I prefer waking up on my own instead of being whined into it.
Changing for the good or ill?
She’s ready to give one of the cottontails some entertainment, should he make an appearance. That’s her lawn chair in the background, when I’m not sitting in it.
I saw a possum at a friends farm here in ND last summer. First one I’ve ever seen in the state. I wasn’t even sure what it was at first, but the rats don’t get that big around here.
What a fine looking girl.
The first time I saw an opossum I thought it was the world’s biggest rat. I think I was about seven at the time and no one had ever told me there was such a critter before.
In Tasmania we also have Ringtail possum, which are smaller and have smooth furred prehensile tail.
But what I really want to see is one of our pygmy possums or a Sugar glider.
Hi back to Happi (who looks like she’s always ready to go chase).
Huh, I always think of possums as ubiquitous — seen dead along every road in the states. Guess I’m wrong.
Your Tiger orchid is spectacular!
RIP compadre
Did you lose your pup?
yeah, about 1am. no clue why
Oh Manny. Lo siento mucho.
At times like this I feel the insanity of taking critters into our homes and hearts knowing that we will most likely out-live, and grieve for, them. Yet, not for a moment would I consider living without them. One of life’s many paradoxes.
Damn.
thx, keres. it’s been a horrible day but doesn’t undo the value of nearly 10 years of love shared.
I lost two of my last three dogs at what seemed well-before-their-time (eight & seven [both Pyrs, one to a brain tumor and the other to a bad heart], and the survivor, a corgi-mix that had a good stretch of thirteen years).
And yet here I am – with yet more “fluff buckets” messing up the house and messing with my heart.
If and when you are ready, a puppy makes a very effective anodyne to grief.
So very sorry to hear. We still miss our last wonderful friend very much. Sending warm thoughts your way.
thx ID
Nothing to add to what I said on Facebook except to reiterate how sorry we all are.
appreciate it, Andi
Your handsome pics of Bud were the reason I got Hopey. Rest well, good dog.
she’s a sweetheart. you too, SN. gracias
I am so sorry for your loss, Manny.
thanks, Jim
Sorry to hear that Manny.
And as far as I’ve experienced they really are “Man’s Best Friend.”
hi NDD, he was definitely a loyal friend and will be missed. hope you’re well. paz