Can Possum Find Its Way Back? Yes, Possums can find their way back although, they are slow but clever and remember the areas which provide them with food and shelter. It is better to get rid of the source of their attraction than to get rid of the possums. It is illegal to relocate the possums from their areas as it will kill them.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Distance | 2 miles nightly for food and water. |
| Find Their Way Back | Yes, using their sense of smell. |
| Relocation Distance | Less than 2 miles; they will return. |
| Moving Locations | Possums may move for food and shelter. |
| Preventing Return | Fence, clean yard, secure trash. |
How Far Will Possums Return?
Possums move for miles each night. They are nocturnal and are most active at night, but as soon as the sun is out, they return back to their dens.
Possums will travel approximately 2 miles daily looking for food and wandering around. In many cases, when the caged possums were left far from their home eventually found their way back to them. Plus, it can also die in a different environment or on its way back.
Do Possums Stay In The Same Area?
Possums are shy and slow. They prefer living in similar geographical locations. They will settle in any suitable place they find during the hunt.
Possums will move every few nights to find a better place to live. It will not stick to the same area for a long time. When you are annoyed with the possum’s invasion, it is better to leave it alone because it will move out on its own.
Forced relocation will make them come back to the same place.
Can Possums Find Their Way Back Home?
Possums can travel for miles. It is estimated that possums can travel up to 2 miles searching for food. They will move even more when the food sources are scarce.
The possums will find their way back home through their sense of smell. They tend to stay in the same place for a long time and avoid relocation, especially the forced relocation.
Possums have sensitive olfactory receptors that help them locate their homes or dens. When possums invade an area, it is better to seek help from wildlife control rather than remove them on your own.
Possums cannot cope with relocation and might die. However, in most circumstances, it will find its way back.
How Far Do Possums Travel At Night?
Possums are active at night and travel about two kilometers daily for food and water. They avoid moving toward different environmental or geographical locations. After traveling and hunting at night, they return to the den.
Possums like to wander around at night when they can see things. They are unlikely to move out of the space that provides them with ample food, water, and shelter.
Do Possums Return After Relocation?
Possums are territorial and aggressive towards their area. Although relocation is common, possums find their way back to the den. They are persistent and will return in a situation of forced relocation.
Possums can travel long-distance, so a distance of 2 miles or slightly more than that is effortless for them to go back.
Possum relocation is banned in many areas because it can kill the animal. Possums prefer living in the same surroundings as their birthplace, and it is difficult for them to survive in a different environment.
Do Possums Move Locations?
Possums can move from one location to another according to the shelter and availability of food sources, but forced relocation is threatening to the animals and can result in death.
Forced relocation of possums is common, but they do not survive, as possums prefer living in similar surroundings near food and water.
Plus, forced relocation does not work, and the possum finds its way back to its place. Possums typically move from their location or area for food, clean water, shelter, and mate during breeding.
Do Possums Move Back To The Den After The Hunt?
Possums are nocturnal and will return to their den in the morning after a hunt. They are unlikely to come out during daylight hours except in cold weather.
Adult possums, especially males, are extremely territorial. If any animal invades the possum’s den, it will fight and leave space. Possums are solitary animals and will move to a quiet, dark corner.
Relating possums from one surrounding to another might not always be in their favor.
Where Is The Best Place To Relocate A Possum?
When possums invade your home, it is better to leave them alone, get rid of the sources of their attraction, or call animal control. Forced relocation of possums or keeping them in a cage for more than 24 hours is illegal.
It is better to relocate them at least 25 miles from their invaded property. However, it will not survive forced relocation when environmental conditions are unfavorable. If you move it within two miles or slightly, it will probably return back as this much distance is covered by possums daily in search of food.
How To Make Sure That Possums Never Return?
Possums are not dangerous, nor do they harm the property, but their invasion can be annoying. You can take a few basic steps to remove possums and ensure that they never return to your property.
- Install a fence around your yard or garden. It will limit their entrance.
- Remove the bushes and tree branches that lead up to your house. Possums are good climbers and can climb into your home through the branches.
- Clean the yard and get rid of all the overgrown vegetation. It will remove the possum’s hiding space.
- Get rid of any large bins and trash cans near your property. The house trash and leftovers are food sources for possums.
Will A Possum Run Away?
Possums are territorial and clingy. They will not run away from the place that provides them a comfortable life. It is difficult for them to adjust to environmental conditions other than the one they were born in.
Instead of running away from the frightening situation, they will play dead. It is a clever trick that possums use to get rid of predators. After twenty minutes or so, they will go back to normal. Before getting rid of possums, keep this trick in mind.
Conclusion
Possums are clever and know how to return to their favorite place. At night, they move approximately two miles for food and water. If they find a comfortable space near food and a fresh water source, they will build a nest.
Getting rid of them is difficult as they always find a way to return. Plus, it is illegal to cage an animal and move it to a different location. Possums can’t survive in another geographical location away from home. If you relocate a possum, it will find its way back, or it can die.
References
Possums- Human Dimensions of Wildlife Journal