How High Can A Possum Jump?

Many animals in the wild are strong jumpers. But what about possums? How high can a possum jump? People who have never seen one in action may assume they can't jump at all, but they can.

Possums are climbers first and jumpers second. A vertical jump of about 1 meter (3 feet) is often quoted, though we found no scientific measurement of it. What possums do well is climb trees, fences and walls with their sharp claws and grasping feet, then leap between branches, trees and roofs.

This article is mainly about Australian possums, such as brushtail and ringtail possums. North American opossums are a different group of animals, even though people often call them "possums."

Possums are wild animals and are not ideal pets. In Australia, native possums are protected by law.

Let's take a look at possums and their jumping and climbing skills.

Are Possums Good Jumpers?

Possums are decent jumpers, but they are much better climbers. Their feet grip firmly, and their claws hook into bark, wood and fences.

That grip lets them leap from branch to branch and drop onto roofs from overhanging trees.

Can Possums Jump Like Cats?

No. Possums can jump, but they can't match a cat's vertical leap. Cats are built for powerful jumps, while possums rely on climbing to get up high.

How Far Can Possums Jump?

Possums can leap across short gaps between branches, trees and roofs. That's why trimming branches near your house helps keep them off the roof.

Possums don't glide. Gliding is done by different animals, such as sugar gliders, which have a skin membrane between their legs.

Can Possums Jump On Table?

Yes. A possum can easily get onto an outdoor table, especially by climbing up chairs, posts or nearby fences.

If possums live near you, don't leave food or pet food out on outdoor tables overnight.

How High Can A Possum Jump Vertically?

Possums aren't strong vertical jumpers because of their short legs. They don't need to be: instead of jumping up, they climb.

A jump of about 1 meter from the ground is often quoted, but no reliable study measures it. A possum can easily get much higher by climbing.

How High Can Ringtail Possums Jump?

Ringtail possums are smaller and lighter than brushtail possums, which makes them nimble in trees.

They have a long, tapering tail that can grip branches like an extra hand.

Can Possums Jump From Fences?

Possums have strong claws and grasping hind feet with an opposable first toe. This lets them climb wooden and chain-link fences and get into yards to eat fruit, vegetables, garbage and pet food.

In Australia, many people see possums as garden pests. But native possums are protected, so you can't harm them, and trapping them needs a license.

Can Baby Possums Jump?

Baby possums (joeys) live in their mother's pouch at first. Later, they ride on her back before they start climbing on their own.

As they grow, young possums practice climbing and short leaps in the trees, learning from their mother.

Can Possums Climb Up Walls?

Possums are agile climbers. They can climb rough walls, fences, downpipes and trees using their claws, feet and tail.

Why Do Possums Climb On Your Roof?

A noise in your roof at night may be a possum. Roof cavities are dark and sheltered, so possums use them as dens, especially when tree hollows are scarce.

They usually get there by climbing or leaping from overhanging branches onto the roof.

To move a possum out of your roof, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water advises:

• Put up a nest box in a garden tree at least 4 meters off the ground
• Sprinkle quassia chips in the roof cavity and leave a light on for 3 days and nights
• Once the possum has left at night, block the entry with a one-way door, chicken wire or wood
• Trim overhanging branches and seal other gaps
• If you need help, hire a licensed catch and release possum handler

Don't catch a possum and release it far away. In New South Wales, possums must be released at dusk within 150 meters of where they were caught, because they are territorial and may not survive in unfamiliar territory. Rules differ between states.

Final Words

Possums are good climbers and decent jumpers. They live in many habitats across Australia, from forests to cities.

Padded feet and strong, hooked claws help them climb trees, roofs and fences to find food and shelter.

Possums can be a nuisance in your roof or garden. Use humane, legal methods, and call a licensed handler if needed. Never hurt or kill them.

Sources

• How to remove a possum from your roof, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water