Possums

For many residents of the peninsula, sharing your property with possums is common. The trees and gardens around our houses provide a modified woodland environment similar to their natural habitat.

The two most common species of possums seen on the peninsula are the Common Brushtail Possum and the Common Ringtail Possum.

Brushtail Possums are roughly the size of a cat, with grey fur, a bushy black tail and large pointed ears. Brushtail Possums can be found nesting in the roof of a house or building.

Ringtail Possums are about half the size of a cat, with grey fur on their back, rusty coloured sides, a white belly, a curly tail with a white tip, and rounded ears. Ringtail possums live in a nest made of twigs and leaves, rarely enter or nest in a roof. 

Both Brushtail and Ringtail Possums are native species protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and must not be harmed in any way. It is illegal to harass or interfere with possums, or to trap a ringtail possum without a permit. The Shire does not loan or hire possum traps to residents.

For more information, including tips on dealing with common problems, visit Wildlife Victoria's Managing Possums page.

If you are concerned about possums damaging trees on your property, visit our Protecting Eucalypt Trees page for some helpful tips on protecting trees from possums.