What is a Possum?
By definition, a possum is any of several species of small arboreal, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia and surrounding areas.
The word Possum derives from the North American Algonquian name of Opossum given to related animals which are found in the Americas or general western hemisphere of the planet. Possum is commonly used in the Americas and around the world as a dimunitive for the harder to say Opossum.
Here at Possum Planet, all of our little furry friends are lovingly referred to as possums, but you will still often see people use opossum to be correct about what they are speaking about even though the common names for these animals truly do not gain anything from the added confusion of possum or opossum. As you learn more about possums from around the world, you will come to know that brushtails hail from Australia and Four Eyed's come from South America and Virginia's come from, well, Virginia and all over the States...
Is this a good pet for you?
Read about this animal's drawbacks.
What do I feed my possum?
See Food and Diet in the encyclopedia.
Where can I learn more about this animal?
The encyclopedia is a searchable encyclopedia full of information about sugar gliders.
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