Possums and humans have had to live side by side because of rapid urbanization. They have learned to be more creative with where they nest as well. These animals can create nests in a variety of locations, so, where do possums nest? This article looks into it
A possum will nest wherever it’s safe, enclosed, and free from predators. This means in garages in urban areas and in hollow trees in the wild.
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Where do possums nest?
Possums can choose to nest in a variety of locations, these animals will nest anywhere that is safe, warm, and comfortable.
They build nests called dreys using dry grass, bark, dry leaves, thin twigs, other soft material, and whatever else they can find. They prefer to nest in close proximity to food and water but they will nest anywhere they can.
There are a couple of places where possums will nest both in urban environments and in the wild, here are a few places where possums nest:
In hollow logs:
Hollow logs are a dime a dozen in the wild, these logs make great possum nests because building materials are likely all around the log.
In rock crevices:
Rock crevices are sturdy places where possums can nest, possums fit perfectly in these spaces. In addition, rock crevices are predator-proof, the openings of rock crevices are usually too narrow for predators to enter into.
In trees:
Trees can become hollow if they become injured or if fungi attack the tree’s deadwood. This creates a space where possums and other animals can safely nest.
Possums will climb trees to find a good nesting spot. They are excellent climbers who use their tails to grab and they climb. Being high up in trees also keeps them away from predators
In the burrows of other animals:
There are a variety of animals that dig burrows to sleep and live in, possums don’t do this.
Possums can dig but they don’t dig to create nests. These marsupials will rather use unused burrows that previously belonged to other animals. Possums can use burrows that belonged to armadillos, moles, and groundhogs
In between buildings:
If a possum finds itself in an urban area it will make its nest in the space between buildings.
If there isn’t much nesting material available, close to the buildings, then possums will look for nesting materials elsewhere and carry this material in their tails to the nesting spot. They will then create a nest in the space between the buildings.
In attics:
Attics are sought after by a variety of wild animals, possums included. These spaces are warm, cozy, isolated, and free from predators. Possums will definitely make their way into and live in your attic if given the chance.
If you’re wondering whether a rat or a possum is on your roof, click here to find out
In barns:
Possums who live close to farms may find their way into your barn and make a nest in there. Possums can use the hay in your barn as building material to create a nest. They may also bring building materials from the outside to create a nest.
In garages:
Garages are a great place for possums to make nests, these rooms aren’t used by humans all day, they’re safe and secure from predators and are usually warmer than the outside. All this makes garages a great place for possums to nest.
In unused cars:
Unused cars are a source of many nest building materials like debris and wires. Possums will make their way into a car from the bottom and will build nests in the car engine.
In sheds:
If you don’t use your shed too frequently, you may need to check that there aren’t any possums in there.
Sheds may lack possum nest-building materials but possums don’t mind, they will find and use bring building material from elsewhere into the shed as long as they see the shed as an appropriate nesting location
FAQ:
What food catches possums?
If you’re trying to catch a possum, or if you are trying to get a possum out of its nest, there are a wide variety of foods that will attract them.
These animals aren’t picky eaters and will eat fish, apples, possum bait, canned pet food, or any smelly food, the smellier the better.
How long do possums nest?
Possums don’t stay in the nest for very long, they will move out of their nests every few days.
These animals have to do this because they cannot really defend themselves from predators. Thus, they have to move nests frequently in order to keep predators from finding them.
If a possum does decide to stay in one location for more than a few days, then it is likely a mother possum with her babies. If the weather is particularly cold then the possum may also stay in a specific den for a few more days.
Do possums nest together?
No, possums do not nest together. These animals like to live in isolation, they will nest and look for food on their own. They will only live with others during the mating season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, possums will nest in safe, quiet, and isolated spaces.
These animals usually live alone and will only live among other possums during the mating season and when the mother has babies. A possum will not stay in the same nest for very long, this helps it keep away from predators.
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other possum related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Are Possums Dangerous To Cats?, Can Possums Eat Meat?, Can Possums Eat Apples?, Do Possums Eat Bananas?, Can Possums Eat Cat Food?,