Mountain Brushtail Possum

Trichosurus caninus

Head & Body Length

40 cm.—50cm

Tail Length

34-42cm

The Mountain Brushtail Possum, or Bobuck as it is also commonly called, is one of the largest species of arboreal marsupials living in wet sclerophyll forests in south-eastern Australia, and cool temperate rainforests patches in NSW and south eastern QLD.

The southern animals of this species have olive grey fur. Here on the north coast, the Mountain Brushtail can have a variety of colors, from the common grey colour to golden, black, brown and a combination of all.
Sexual maturity is reached at about 3 years of age. The female gives birth to normally only one young. Pouch life is approximately 120 days, after which the juvenile possum will travel part time on mums back. Mortality rate at this stage can be high.

They tend to stay with their mother for much longer than other possum species.
Lifespan can be as long as 17 years, possibly longer.
Mountain Brushtails live in hollow logs mainly found in old trees, so please think before cutting down that old tree, someone may call it home.

All possums are territorial. Let us make sure that they continue to have a place amongst us.

Reference: The Australian Museum. 1996. "The Complete book of Australian Mammels."

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