Possums are primarily nocturnal, conducting most activities under darkness. This drives their need for secure daytime resting places. They seek refuge to avoid predators and protect themselves from extreme weather, crucial for their survival and energy conservation.
Common Daytime Hiding Spots
Possums exhibit a remarkable ability to adapt to various environments, utilizing a wide array of natural and human-made structures for their daytime retreats. In natural settings, they frequently seek shelter within hollow logs and tree cavities, which offer enclosed and dark spaces for concealment and protection. Dense undergrowth and thickets also provide effective camouflage, helping them remain hidden from predators.
They may also opportunistically occupy abandoned burrows dug by other animals, such as groundhogs or armadillos. Rock crevices and piles of natural debris, like woodpiles or brush piles, offer additional options for secluded rest. This adaptable approach allows possums to thrive in diverse habitats, from forests to suburban areas.
Near human habitation, possums often find suitable hiding spots within structures resembling natural dens. These include spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and sheds, providing dark, undisturbed, and relatively safe environments. They might also settle under decks, inside garages, or within other outbuildings, using these for consistent shelter against elements and threats.
What Makes a Shelter Ideal
An ideal daytime shelter for a possum offers safety and comfort during their inactive period. Darkness is a primary requirement, protecting their light-sensitive eyes from daylight and helping them remain undetected by predators. A secluded, enclosed space minimizes their exposure and vulnerability.
Protection from predators is another crucial aspect. Shelters that offer confined entry points or are difficult for larger animals to access provide security against threats like hawks, owls, coyotes, and domestic animals. This concealment aids their survival during vulnerable hours.
A good shelter also provides insulation from environmental extremes. It shields them from direct sunlight and heat, preventing dehydration and overheating. It offers refuge from cold temperatures, heavy rain, and strong winds, helping them conserve energy and maintain body temperature. Resting near reliable food and water sources is beneficial, allowing for efficient access once night falls.
Living Alongside Possums
If a possum is discovered during the day, it is generally best to leave the animal undisturbed, as it is likely just resting. Possums found in daylight are not typically aggressive; they are more inclined to remain still, play dead, or slowly move away if approached, preferring to avoid conflict.
Intervention is usually only necessary if the possum appears injured, sick, or is in a dangerous location, such as a busy road or directly inside a living space. In such instances, contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control agency is advisable. They can assess the situation safely and provide appropriate assistance.
To discourage possums from residing on private property, several preventative measures can be implemented. Securing outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting, animal-proof lids prevents access to discarded food waste, a common attractant. Removing pet food and water bowls from outdoor areas, especially overnight, also limits their attraction.
Sealing potential entry points into attics, crawl spaces, and sheds can prevent possums from using these areas as dens. Trimming dense vegetation and overhanging tree branches close to buildings reduces cover and makes structures less appealing as shelter. Promptly collecting fallen fruit from trees can eliminate another accessible food source that might draw possums.