Look out for Ringtails at dusk, climbing overhead along the wires, or take your torch out after dark and look for them rustling around in the treetops looking for food or a mate. 

Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife CEO Susanna Bradshaw said the possums trampling across your roof at night are likely to be Brushtail Possums. 

Ringtail Possums, which are out and about at the moment looking for mates, are smaller and dainter than the Brushtails. 

 “They don’t tend to live in your roof like Brushies sometimes do, as Ringtails prefer to build themselves a cosy tree-nest out of sticks, called a drey,” Ms Bradshaw said.

“The tail is what helps you tell these two species apart. A Ringtail’s tail has a white tip on the end, and is much thinner, and less furry than a Brushie’s tail. 

“The Ringtail’s prehensile tail can be used like an extra hand. This is where its scientific name Pseudocheirus peregrinus, which is Greek for ‘false hand’, comes from. 

“So don’t be surprised if you see one carrying sticks, bark or other nesting material curled up in its tail as it travels around.”

Once the young are born they will stay in their mother’s  pouch for four months until they’re big enough to ride around on their parents’ backs.”

“Male Ringtails make great dads. They are the only possum dads who stick around and help mum raise the kiddies,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“Ringtails are a delight to watch,” said Ms Bradshaw. “You often see them doing death-defying tightrope walks along powerlines.

“Unfortunately, if they touch two lines at once, they get zapped. If you ever see an injured possum, make sure you call your local wildlife carer.”

Ms Bradshaw said although Ringtail Possums sometimes get a bad rap for eating our favourite roses,  it’s important to understand that these possums have had to adapt to urban life in order to survive. 

“As humans build on their habitats, they have had to find new food to eat and try to live with us side-by-side,” she said. 

“We’re not saying you have to just put up with their desire to nibble your flowers, you just need to be as smart as they are and come up with a solution that both parties will be happy with.

“Once upon a time we used to relocate unwanted possums but not anymore. Possums don’t cope well with the change.

“Relocated possums can get bullied by the local possums, or they can’t find enough food to eat in their new environment. 

“So now we focus on living more harmoniously with our possum buddies.”