|
POSSUMS & GLIDERS |
Possums and gliders are arborial marsupials. That is, they live in trees. In the area in which we operate we see quite a lot of possums including the Brush-tail possum and the Ring-tail possum. We also see gliders - from the tiny Feathertail Glider, the Sugar Glider, through to the Yellow-bellied Glider (Vulnerable species in NSW) and the Greater Glider (listed as threatened throughout the Eurobodalla LGA).
|
Common Problems & Threats
Brushtail and ringtail possums have adopted well to the human environment, whereas gliders tend to keep their distance. Being arborial animals, a major threat to possums and gliders is the destruction of habitat - especially older trees with hollows. The most common reasons for them coming into care are:
|
© 3 orphaned Ringtails
|
|
|
Found a Possum or Glider needing help?
Warning: Most of the larger possums & gliders have sharp teeth and claws so if you do have to handle one, be very careful and use heavy duty protection as they will bite and scratch. Always call a wildlife group for help or advice. If a larger possum (e.g. a ring-tail) is docile due to injury or illness, they can be placed in a sturdy cardboard box or pet carry cage for transport. Be aware that animals suffering from shock or concussion can "wake up" and become aggressive. A small carboard box won't hold an angry possum for long. For joeys and small gliders such as feather-tail gliders, it's important to keep them warm, quiet and contained (as they tend to escape otherwise). Place them in a small pillow case, tied at the top to prevent escape. Put that pillow case in a jumper or jacked and keep it warm until help arrives. A WARM hot-water-bottle or drink bottle full of warm water placed under the jumper will help keep them warm without overheating. P.S. Use an old jumper as the possum might just pee while it's in captivity! |
|
UNWANTED LODGER IN YOUR ROOF? |
|
If you find a possum has taken up residence in your roof space there are a couple of solutions. You need to find where they are entering, it could be a loose roof tile or a small opening in the eaves. Once you are aware of the entry point then you can make a temporary one-way door on the hole. Once the possum has left at night (Two hours or so after dark) place a piece of fruit inside the opening and secure he opening. In the morning check to see if the fruit has been eaten and if so then you still have a problem, continue in this way until you are no longer seeing the fruit eaten then seal up the entry point(s) permanently. Alternatively you may be able to borrow or hire a possum trap - ask your local council or wildlife group. It is illegal and cruel to translocate a possum to another location as they are highly territorial and may be killed in another possum's territory. A great alternative is to build a possum nest box and place it in a tree in your garden or nearby, where it won't be disturbed by dogs or people so the possum has an alternative home. If you live in the Illawarra/Highlands/Shoalhaven region and wish to purchase a possum box contact Wildlife Rescue South Coast on 0418 427 214 or if you would like to make your own visit our page on how to build a possum box or download/print our PDF brochure. |
|
