For the Love of Brushtail Possums
I do love the gentle nature of brushtail possum babies. Many people do not realize that brushtails are cared for by their mums for many many months, they provide affection and many life lessons. They stay with their mums until they are quite big and are still taking a drink from mum when they need.
When a young brushtail possums come into care, and they are just that little bit older, a bit like a 6-7 year old child, they are so much more aware of what had happened to their mother. They would have either been in the pouch or on their mother's back when she was killed, whether it was by a car, electrocution or having been attacked by another animal.
The baby will often be found on their mother's dead body, clinging tight, probably trying to wake their mum, sometimes in the middle of the road with cars flying past either side.
Those little ones take a bit longer to settle into care and are often sad for some time, with watery eyes and very scared and confused.
Plenty of cuddles are needed to reassure these babies that they will be ok.
Finding a buddy to raise them with is very important, so they know they are not alone.
Eventually they will get there, raised with a friend and released together to play and explore.
Please be careful on the roads from dusk to dawn, just slow down a little and it may make all the difference.
They are beautiful affectionate animals, we must make sure they are around for a long time to come.
When a young brushtail possums come into care, and they are just that little bit older, a bit like a 6-7 year old child, they are so much more aware of what had happened to their mother. They would have either been in the pouch or on their mother's back when she was killed, whether it was by a car, electrocution or having been attacked by another animal.
The baby will often be found on their mother's dead body, clinging tight, probably trying to wake their mum, sometimes in the middle of the road with cars flying past either side.
Those little ones take a bit longer to settle into care and are often sad for some time, with watery eyes and very scared and confused.
Plenty of cuddles are needed to reassure these babies that they will be ok.
Finding a buddy to raise them with is very important, so they know they are not alone.
Eventually they will get there, raised with a friend and released together to play and explore.
Please be careful on the roads from dusk to dawn, just slow down a little and it may make all the difference.
They are beautiful affectionate animals, we must make sure they are around for a long time to come.
