Another summer season starts, and the wild critters are making their rounds again. Don’t forget to use caution when venturing out into your backyard, regardless of whether you live in the city or country.
One night I went out to feed and see my cats and almost stepped on a visiting *possum. I hadn’t seen a possum for the season and didn’t think about one being out there. The cats had been sitting on the table waiting and watching for me to come out. A couple of them jumped down, leaving Sir Watson alone. He often sits on the table, particularly when he’s hungry, staring in the back window, waiting for me to come outside.

Sir Watson eating dinner on another day.
Sir Watson gave me no indication that something (or someone) was afoot. I think I jumped when I saw the possum, who was about two feet from the bottom step.

This is a different possum. I didn’t get a photo of the visitor in this post.
He was near the cats’ water bowl, and without seeing him, I started right in his direction.
He froze and eyed me. As soon as I got my wits, I froze too. I slowly back away, and then he made his move, retreating under the table and then off the patio. He had his head cocked toward me, and we stood still, watching each other. The other cats returned to the table to eat. I jokingly fussed at them for not alerting me to the visitor, who startled me to say the least.
I am not afraid of possums as many people are. Possums should not be a cause for fear or major concern. Many people think they are mean and ready to bite. This has not been my experience. Rarely has one even hissed at me. Possums are peaceful creatures but will defend themselves when necessary as anyone would. The key takeaway from this is leave them alone, don’t corner them, and don’t threaten them.
Possums are fun to watch as they waddle along looking for food. Obviously, they are great climbers and must have a keen nose for food. My cats and the possums live peaceably together, although Shere Khan and Sir Watson have taken an aggressive stance when one has strayed too close. But normally, the cats and the possums go about their business without bothering each other.
So enjoy the possum as he makes his way through your yard in search of food. And if you like watching him, remember, he’ll be back for a return visit.
*I know possum is spelled with an “o,” but I think the o, in this case, has gone the way of the appendix: we don’t need it anymore.







