Mammal profile

Common Brushtail Possum | Trichosurus vulpecula

Trichosurus vulpecula

Database risk label: LOW
Location: All of Australia
Database size: 32-58cm + tail

The Common Brushtail Possum is a native Australian marsupial mammal in the family Phalangeridae. It is one of the possums people are most likely to notice after dark, including in cities and suburbs, because it has adapted to living close to people. [1] [2] WildGuardian’s encounter-risk label for this species is LOW. That label is not a reason to approach a wild animal: this page concerns the species Trichosurus vulpecula, not all possums or all members of the genus Trichosurus.

Identification: what to look for — and what a sighting cannot confirm

A Common Brushtail Possum is a sturdy, medium-to-large possum with a thick, bushy tail, prominent ears and a pale belly. Queensland’s species profile describes the usual coat as silvery grey, a black band across the snout, and a belly ranging from white to brownish yellow. Adult head-and-body length is reported as 35–55 cm, with a 25–40 cm tail. [2]

Colour is not a reliable stand-alone test. Common Brushtail Possums may be grey, brown, reddish or black, and Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre notes that they are larger and more heavily built than Common Ringtail Possums. [3] A dark, distant animal on a roof or powerline is therefore not enough for a certain identification. Look for the overall combination of robust build and bushy tail, rather than using coat colour alone. If a sighting matters for wildlife management or a rescue report, describe what you saw and where rather than trying to identify the animal by touch or close approach.

Australian range and habitat

Australian Museum records place the Common Brushtail Possum in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. [1] The range is not a promise that the possum occurs evenly across every part of those jurisdictions. Queensland Government describes wooded habitat along Australia’s east coast, eastern South Australia and south-west Western Australia, while Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service lists T. vulpecula among Tasmania’s five possum species. [2] [4]

This species uses a broad set of Australian habitats. It occurs in forests, woodlands, heath and urban areas; suburban gardens, parks, campgrounds and roof spaces can all be part of the places where people encounter it. [1] [2] In daylight, it shelters in places such as a hollow branch, tree trunk, fallen log or another dark refuge. In built-up areas, limited natural hollows may help explain why a possum is noticed in or around a roof space. [1] [2]

A useful way to read an urban sighting is as evidence of a nocturnal native mammal using available shelter and travel routes, not as proof that it is tame or needs human help. Tree hollows remain important shelter, and the species’ ability to use urban habitat does not remove its need for safe resting places and foraging habitat. [2] [3]

Night-time behaviour and ecology

Common Brushtail Possums are nocturnal. They emerge after dark to forage and return to daytime refuges, which is why calls, movement on roofs and brief views in trees are more often noticed at night. [1] [2] Their wild diet includes leaves, blossoms and fruit. Queensland Government also records buds and, less often, insects, eggs and meat; in suburban settings they can be opportunistic feeders. [1] [2]

Communication is part of what makes the species conspicuous around homes. Queensland Government describes sound and scent communication, including deep guttural coughs and sharp hisses, especially during the breeding season. [2] Hearing a call is not, by itself, evidence of aggression or distress. It is better to keep distance and let the animal move away than to investigate the sound closely.

The species can breed throughout the year, although Queensland Government says most births occur from March to November. A female usually has a single young, which develops in her forward-facing pouch before later leaving it. [2] That context matters for observation: an adult with a young is still wildlife, and a young-looking possum should not be assumed to be orphaned simply because it is seen alone. Concern about an animal’s condition should be passed to an appropriate wildlife service rather than decided from a distance.

Common Brushtail Possums also sit within Australian food webs. The Australian Museum lists dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats among their main predators. [1] Observing quietly, keeping pets away from wildlife and taking care on roads near bushland after dark are sensible ways to reduce disturbance without turning an encounter into an intervention. [3]

Safer encounters at home, in parks and on tracks

Most encounters need only space. Stay back, keep children and pets from crowding the animal, and let it choose its own route away. Do not touch, corner or try to move a possum. An animal that is resting, calling or travelling at night may be behaving normally; close pursuit can turn an ordinary sighting into a stressful one.

If a possum appears sick, injured or orphaned, contact a local licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation provider or a veterinarian for advice. NSW Environment and Heritage says that untrained responses can injure people or further harm wildlife, and that licensed rehabilitation providers or registered veterinarians are the people authorised to take sick, injured or orphaned native animals into care in NSW. [5] Queensland Government likewise directs people who find injured or orphaned wildlife to 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) from 7 am to 7 pm for specialist advice and connection with wildlife rescue services. [6]

For a persistent property issue, seek current advice from the relevant state or territory wildlife authority or a suitably authorised local service rather than attempting to deal with the animal yourself.

If a bite breaks skin

If a possum bite breaks skin, use the general animal-bite guidance below rather than first aid for a different type of animal. Healthdirect says that any animal, including a native animal, can bite, and advises seeing a doctor as soon as possible if an animal bite has broken the skin. [7]

For a minor wound, Healthdirect advises cleaning the skin around it with soap and water, removing visible dirt with running water, drying it with a clean cloth and covering it with a clean dressing. [7] Seek urgent emergency care for a large or deep wound, a bite to the face or head, or bleeding that will not stop. [7] Fever, increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus or discharge after a bite can indicate infection and need medical assessment. [7] For immediate Australian health advice, Healthdirect’s helpline is 1800 022 222; call Triple Zero (000) for urgent medical help. [7]

Frequently asked questions

Is a Common Brushtail Possum the same as every possum I see?

No. This page is specifically about Trichosurus vulpecula. Australia has multiple possum species. In Tasmania alone, Parks and Wildlife Service lists five species, including the brushtail possum and Common Ringtail Possum. [4] A photo or night-time glimpse can be insufficient for a definite species identification.

Where in Australia might I see one?

The Australian Museum records the species in every Australian state and in the Northern Territory. [1] They may occur in forest, woodland, heath or urban habitat, but local presence depends on suitable shelter and habitat rather than a state border alone. [1] [2]

Why is a possum on my roof at night?

The species is nocturnal and can use dark daytime refuges, including roof spaces in urban areas. [1] [2] A roof sound or sighting does not establish that the animal is injured, trapped or safe to approach. Use an authorised local source for property-specific advice rather than attempting to deal with the animal yourself.

What should I do if I think a possum needs help?

Keep people and pets back, note the location and contact a local licensed wildlife rescue group or veterinarian. NSW guidance says to follow instructions from the professional contacted, because untrained wildlife response can cause harm. [5] In Queensland, 1300 ANIMAL provides specialist advice for injured or orphaned wild animals during its stated hours. [6]

Do I need medical care after a possum bite?

If the bite breaks skin, seek medical advice as soon as possible, as Healthdirect recommends for animal bites. [7] Go to an emergency department for a large or deep wound, a wound to the face or head, or bleeding that cannot be stopped. [7]

References

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026. This is general information, not a substitute for medical care.