Possums make a variety of sounds such as hissing, growling, screeching, and clicking noises. These noises can be more pronounced and frequent during the night when possums are active.
When trying to identify possum noises, it’s essential to listen for these specific sounds. Hissing, growling, screeching, and clicking can be indications of a possum’s presence in your area or property. At night, possums become more active, so their sounds might be louder and more frequent, sometimes causing disturbance.
Identifying Possum Noises
Possums can make a range of distinct noises, which help in identifying their presence. Each of these noises reflects a different behavior or emotion in possums:
Hissing
Possums hiss when they feel threatened or cornered by a potential danger. This common self-defense mechanism is meant to deter predators or any other perceived threat. If you hear a hissing sound in your backyard or near your home, it’s likely that a possum is nearby and feeling unsafe.
Growling
Similar to hissing, growling is another defensive sound possums use to warn off potential threats. A growling possum is trying to send a message that it’s ready to defend itself if needed. If you encounter a growling possum, it’s best to give it some space and allow it to retreat to a safer location.
Snarling
An agitated or excited possum will let out a snarl to make its frustration known. You’ll often hear it during squabbles with other possums, when something has disturbed the animal, or when it feels boxed in with nowhere to go. A snarling possum is plainly not in a good mood, so the sensible thing is to back off and give it room.
Chattering
Chattering is another unique sound possums make, usually when communicating with others or displaying agitation. This sound is characterized by rapid clicking or clacking noises, and it can be heard when possums are interacting with each other or when they feel uneasy. Chattering may also occur when a possum is trying to assert dominance or establish territory.
These distinct noises help to differentiate possum sounds from other wildlife, making it easier for homeowners and wildlife enthusiasts to recognize and address their presence accordingly.
The Role of Possum Sounds in Mating and Reproduction
During the mating and reproduction process, possums use distinct vocalizations to communicate with potential mates and rivals. Deep guttural coughs and sharp hisses are common forms of communication, especially prevalent in the breeding season. These sounds help attract partners and sort out dominance between competing individuals.
Because possums are nocturnal, you’re most likely to catch these calls when they cross the roof at night on the way between feeding spots. The vocalisations are a sign the animals are working through mating behaviour overhead, and they make it pretty clear when a possum is in the neighbourhood.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell possum noises apart, the hissing, growling, snarling and chattering, helps you work out what’s actually going on when one of these nocturnal animals turns up near the house. They’re at their busiest after dark, which is when their cries and chirps are most obvious. Learning to read possum vocalisations gives you a better sense of the animals themselves and helps the case for living alongside urban and rural wildlife rather than fighting it.
