Knowing the difference between an opossum and a possum can be more important than you think. While the names are often used interchangeably, these animals live in different parts of the world and have unique behaviors. In some cases, misidentifying them could lead to incorrect care if you encounter an injured one, misunderstanding their role in the ecosystem, or even confusion in pest control. In this article, we'll dive into the characteristics that distinguish the Possum vs Opossum, so you’ll never confuse them again.
What is Opossum vs Possum?
The confusion between possum and opossum dates back centuries. The word opossum originated from an Algonquian term, meaning "white beast." In 1608, Captain John Smith, one of the early Jamestown colonists, used this term to describe North America's only marsupial, the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana).
More than a hundred years later, European explorers in Australia encountered a different type of marsupial that looked similar to the opossum, though it was not the same species. The naturalist Sir Joseph Banks classified it as part of the "opossum tribe" and named it possum. However, these two animals belong to completely different families within the marsupial classification. In North America, it has become common for people to drop the "o" and simply call the opossum a possum. However, scientifically speaking, these are two distinct animals.
Meet the Opossum: North America's Only Marsupial
Physical Characteristics
The opossum is a scavenger that roams throughout North America, easily identified by its:
Pointed snout
Small, beady eyes
Long, hairless tail (similar to a rat’s)
Grayish-white fur
Sharp teeth, which it often bares when threatened
Adult opossums typically measure about 2 to 3 feet long, including their tail, and weigh between 4 and 14 pounds. Although opossums have a reputation for hanging by their tails, only the young can do so—adults are simply too heavy.
Behavior and Diet
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat just about anything they can find, including:
Fruits and plants
Insects and small mammals
Garbage and carrion
They are well known for their unique defense mechanism—playing dead when threatened. This involuntary behavior, known as tonic immobility, makes them appear lifeless, fooling predators into losing interest.
Opossums are also beneficial to the ecosystem because they eat ticks and other pests, helping to reduce disease transmission.
Meet the Possum: Australia's Tree-Dwelling Marsupial
Physical Characteristics
Possums, particularly the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), look quite different from their North American relatives. They are characterized by:
A rounded face with a short snout
Large, forward-facing eyes
Thick, bushy fur, often golden or brown
A furry tail (unlike the opossum’s scaly, hairless tail)
Possums are smaller than opossums, typically measuring 1.5 to 2 feet in length and weighing around 2 to 9 pounds.
Behavior and Diet
Unlike opossums, which are often seen rummaging through trash, possums are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. Their sharp claws and prehensile tails help them navigate branches with ease.
Possums primarily feed on:
Leaves and flowers
Fruits and seeds
Occasionally, small insects
Unlike opossums, they do not "play dead" when threatened. Instead, they may hiss, growl, or escape into the trees.
Key Differences Between Possums and Opossums
Feature | Opossum (North America) | Possum (Australia) |
|---|---|---|
Scientific Order | Didelphimorphia | Phalangeriformes |
Habitat | Forests, suburban areas, urban trash bins | Trees, forests, and some urban environments |
Tail | Long, hairless, prehensile | Thick, bushy, and furry |
Snout | Long and pointed | Short and rounded |
Fur Color | Grayish-white | Brown, golden, or gray |
Defense Mechanism | Plays dead (tonic immobility) | Hisses, growls, or flees |
Reproduction | Gives birth to multiple young | Typically gives birth to one joey at a time |
Similarities Between Possums and Opossums
Despite their differences, these animals share some common traits:
Both are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in pouches.
Both are omnivorous, with diverse diets.
Both are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
Both are solitary creatures, usually living alone except during breeding season.
Possum vs. Opossum: Download WPS AI Writer for Clear, Accurate Writing
Writing possum instead of opossum isn’t grammatically wrong, but you might be referring to the wrong animal without even realizing it. The two names are often used interchangeably, but they actually describe different species—opossums are found in North America, while possums are native to Australia. If you're writing about wildlife, biology, or even just telling a story, using the wrong term could lead to confusion. And let’s be honest—no one wants to sound unsure about what they’re talking about, especially when a simple tool can help prevent the mistake.
With WPS AI Spell Check, you can set up auto-correct to catch these subtle differences, ensuring you don’t mistakenly use the wrong word. Instead of second-guessing your spelling, let WPS AI handle it for you, keeping your writing accurate and contextually correct.
How to Use WPS Office AI Writer
You can use WPS AI Writer to perfect your writing effortlessly. It goes beyond basic spell check by understanding context, suggesting better word choices, and even restructuring sentences for better readability. Let's explore how we can use WPS AI Writer to draft short stories about possums and opossums:
Step 1: Open WPS Office and create a new blank document to begin writing your short story.
Step 2: To access WPS AI, simply type "@ai" and press enter to bring up the AI Writer menu.
Step 3: From the menu, select "Creative Story" and enter a brief prompt, such as "possum vs opossum," to test the WPS AI Writing capabilities, and then press “Enter”.
Step 4: Within a few seconds, you will have a short story ready. You can use additional tools to refine, discard, or change the results to your liking.
How to Download WPS Writer
The first step to writing your content on WPS Writer and improving your writing is to get WPS Writer on your device. With its powerful AI features, spell check, and intuitive interface, it makes writing effortless and error-free. Here’s how you can download WPS Writer and start your journey to better writing:
FAQs
Q1. Can opossums and possums be found in the same regions?
No, opossums and possums are native to entirely different parts of the world. Opossums are found in North and South America, with the Virginia opossum being the only marsupial native to the United States and Canada. Possums, on the other hand, are exclusively found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
Q2. Why do Americans call opossums "possums" if they are different animals?
Americans call opossums "possums" out of habit and linguistic simplification. Over time, the "o" was dropped in casual speech, making "possum" the more commonly used term. Despite the scientific distinction, this informal usage remains widespread in North America.
Q3. Can possums or opossums spread diseases to humans?
Yes, opossums can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and tularemia. They may also harbor parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can potentially spread to humans and pets. It's important to avoid close contact and take precautions to minimize risks.
Possum or Opossum? Why Accuracy in Writing Matters
Did you know that even some native Americans refer to possum as opossum? This might make it seem like you can use them interchangeably, but in reality, that wouldn’t be the best approach—especially when writing formal or academic papers, where accuracy matters.
So, put your trust in WPS Office and its AI-powered tools to keep your writing precise. With its spell check and AI writing assistant, you can ensure that your work is both factually correct and grammatically flawless.
