New digs for possums
By Jennifer Kay, a volunteer rescuer with WIRES Illawarra
Hot days can cause problems for our wildlife who cannot always find suitable trees for shelter. Many animals are forced to shelter in nooks and crannies of houses and buildings. Hot roofs, particularly corrugated iron, are not suitable for animals on hot days.
WIRES attended many rescues over summer for heat-stressed possums who had been residing in unsuitable locations. These possums, weak and severely dehydrated, required days in care, receiving hydration and rest to regain their strength.
Fortunately for the possums, WIRES Illawarra, has an enthusiastic supporter who generously donates his time to help possums find new digs!
Meet George Wilkinson, a local arborist, who spent many hours installing possum boxes as new housing for possums. This was possible with materials generously donated by Bunnings, and skilful construction by members of local Men’s Sheds, who supplied possum boxes for free, ready to be installed.
Do you have a possum residing in your roof?
It is illegal and inhumane to trap and/or relocate possums. Removing them from their area and releasing them elsewhere, even into suitable habitat such as bushland, is a death sentence for possums as they are a territorial species.
Advice must be sought from licensed authorities, such as WIRES, and any removal and relocation undertaken as a last resort.
Contact the WIRES Rescue Office on 1300 094 737 if you have possums residing in your home and wish to request a possum box and help with humane relocation. This is a free service. Information can also be found on the website.
Left: A Brushtail Possum in WIRES care getting used to his new home before being released. Right: A Ringtail Possum snuggling into the pouch inside the transport carrier after rescue from inside a member of public’s home.
Become a possum protector
The Illawarra is home to several species of possums but the two you are most likely to encounter are the Eastern Ringtail Possum and the Common Brushtail Possum.
Both species are nocturnal but there are significant differences between them. Information about them can be found on the website. This website also provides information for the home handyman on how to build suitable possum nesting boxes.
The challenges these possums face, such as habitat loss and urbanisation, make it crucial for us to step in as protectors of their well-being. You can help support possum conservation by providing artificial homes and advocating for habitat preservation. It is important to take care of our wildlife, who take care of us, because they play a vital role in the ecological and biological processes that are essential to life.
