When it comes to understanding possums and why they behave in certain ways, one of the most interesting things to consider is the fact that they may be walking in circles as a form of defensive strategy. Possums are generally solitary creatures, but when threatened, will sometimes band together in a large group to fight off predators. WebSeeing an opossum out during the day is not that abnormal. It is sometimes hard to decide whether an opossum seems out of sorts, because their normal behavior is so slow and odd. Abundance: Common throughout state. The pests have many predators and will seek safety at the first sign of a threat. Possum During The When threatened, possums will often walk in circles to make it difficult for predators to determine their exact location. Its likely that possums instinctively walk in circles to confuse predators and throw them off their track. WebWhy Do Possums Walk In Circles? If you ever come across a possum walking in circles, remember that the best thing to do is to just observe the animal from a safe distance and never attempt to touch it. By walking in circles, they are able to keep predators guessing as to where they are headed, making them more difficult to catch. Uncovering the mystery of this behavior can help us better understand these animals and the ways in which they interact with their environment. It may also be an attempt to mark territory and maintain a sense of familiarity with the area. They are well-adapted to arboreal and terrestrial habitats, and are found in the highest densities where concentrated food sources occur. Possum behavior may also be an evolutionary advantage, helping them to explore their environment, gain knowledge, and investigate potential food sources. When born, young opossums weigh 0.13 grams and increase a thousand times in 100 days to 130 grams. In some cases, possums may simply be disoriented and walking in circles as a result. This is especially common in urban possums who may become disoriented when trying to navigate the urban landscape. WebVirginia opossums are mostly active at night. If you see an opossum out in the open for a long period of time, or walking in tight circles, it may be hurt or sick. How to safely and humanely remove bats from your house, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Fish and Wildlife Service Fur coloration ranges from light gray to nearly black, with most individuals exhibiting light underfur with black guard hairs. It also has the added effect of rendering them odorless (when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is). Whenever a mole decides to visit our property, she is right on top of it. WebPossums walking in circles is a behavior that has been observed for years and has caused much confusion. Extreme fear will cause opossums to fall over dead, become stiff as though in rigor, and emit a smell that fools a predator into thinking they are spoiled meat. Daniel did a great job pigeon proofing. This behavior is believed to be an attempt to confuse predators and make it harder for them to catch their prey. Check the following day to see if it has been able to crawl out. Its important to note that while we may never know exactly why possums walk in circles, their behavior is likely instinctive and beneficial in some way. By walking in circles, the possum can spread its scent much further than it would by walking in straight lines. It is important to keep in mind that possums are naturally curious animals, so it is possible that it is just trying to investigate its surroundings. 7. Wiki User.

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