Silver-gray brushtail possum

The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is the largest among the possums. Possums are native to Australia and can often be found near humans and in cities as they are capable of adapting. Common Brushtail Possums are nocturnal and are known for their nocturnal raid of gardens and kitchens. In cities they are seen as pests, especially for the loud hissing of the male Common Brushtail, which will definately keep you awake. When settlers begin introducing Common Brushtail Possums for the fur industry in New Zealand (only having the bat as a native mammal at the time) they couldn't imagine that someday 60 million possums would roam the island! This is especially harmful to the native vegetation.