Ruqayyah Snyder
Possums are considered pests by some, but these furry creatures are protected under Australian law as native animals. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, growls, screeches, hisses, clicks, and chatters. These vocalizations are used to convey different messages, such as warnings to rivals or calls for mates. While possums are usually wary of people, they can sometimes be heard making strange noises at night, with their vocalizations echoing through the properties they inhabit. These noises can range from soft rustling sounds to high-pitched chattering, depending on the species of possum and the message they are trying to convey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Noise | Hissing, clicking, growling, grunting, screeching, chattering, squealing, thumping, pitter-patter, rustling, tapping, scurrying, squeaking |
| Time of noise | Night-time, between 11 pm and 3 am |
| Reason for noise | Warning to rivals, calling mates, communicating within family groups, feeling threatened, seeking attention from their mother |
| Species | Ringtail possum, brushtail possum |
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What You'll Learn
Growling, grunting, hissing, and screeching
Possums are protected under Australian law as native animals. They are known to be noisy and can cause a ruckus, especially at night. Possums are nocturnal marsupials and are most active at night, so this is when you're most likely to hear them.
Growling
Possums growl when they feel threatened or angry. They may also growl as a territorial display or warning.
Grunting
Brushtail and ringtail possums often emit grunting noises. These are softer noises, used for communication within family groups.
Hissing
Possums also hiss when they feel threatened. Baby possums hiss when seeking the attention of their mother.
Screeching
A loud screech from a possum is usually an alarm call signalling danger. It could indicate the presence of predators or disputes with other creatures. Possums are known to be vocal, especially the brushtail possum, which is known for its distinctive growls, screeches, and hisses.
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Clicking and chattering
Baby possums make clicking noises when seeking the attention of their mother, while adult possums make these sounds for communication within family groups. Possums also make clicking noises when they are trying to attract mates.
The common ringtail possum and common brushtail possum are Australia's most well-known species. The noises made by these two species differ: ringtails make clicks, chatters, and hisses, while brushtails are known for their distinctive growls, screeches, and hisses.
If you hear clicking and chattering noises in your roof, it is likely that you have a possum infestation. Possums are protected by Australian law as native animals, so you will need to contact a pest control professional to get rid of them.
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Tapping, scurrying, and squeaking
Possums are protected under Australian law as native animals. They are among the most versatile and adaptable of Australia's marsupials, and they can be found even in big cities. Possums are nocturnal and stay active during the night, seeking shelter in tree hollows and roof cavities during the day.
Possums make a variety of noises, including grunts, growls, hisses, clicks, chatters, and screeches. These noises are used to convey different messages, such as warnings to rivals or calls for mates during the breeding season. A loud screech from a possum is usually an alarm call signalling danger, while a growl can be a warning or territorial display. Baby possums make clicking or hissing sounds when seeking attention from their mother.
While possums are usually wary of people and do little harm, they can become a nuisance by eating fruit and flowers from gardens and, in the case of the brushtail possum, by taking up residence in ceiling spaces. Possums can also cause damage to the exterior of buildings by climbing and tearing shingles or ripping rooftops.
If you hear tapping, scurrying, and squeaking noises during the day, it is more likely to be a rodent, as possum-related noises cease between 11 pm and 3 am. However, possums are known to make pitter-patter or loud thumping noises as they move about, especially on roofs. Their vocalizations can be quite distinctive, and with some practice, it is possible to differentiate between the sounds of different possum species.
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Baby possums make sneezing noises
Possums are protected by Australian law as native animals. They are considered pests because they destroy gardens, make loud noises, and leave unpleasant smells. Possums are usually active at night, so you'll typically hear them during that time.
Baby possums, also known as joeys, make sneezing noises when they are separated from their mothers and are trying to get her attention. The mother will respond by making clicking sounds to locate her young. Baby possums may also make a ""choo choo" or chirping sound.
Outside of these circumstances, baby possums rarely make audible sounds. Possums, in general, are usually quiet creatures. However, they do have a wide range of vocalizations, including clicking, sneezing, growling, and hissing. Possums make hissing and growling sounds when they feel threatened or angry. They also make clicking sounds when trying to attract mates.
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Thumping and screaming
Possums are known for their distinctive thumping and screaming noises, which can be quite startling to those who are unfamiliar. These sounds are often associated with the animal's defensive behaviour and can be quite intimidating.
The thumping noise is typically made when a possum is feeling threatened or startled. It involves the animal forcefully stamping its back feet on the ground or against a hard surface. This action creates a loud, sharp sound that can startle potential threats and give the possum an opportunity to escape. The thumping can be especially loud when it occurs on hollow or resonant surfaces, such as wooden beams or metal roofs, which can amplify the noise.
Additionally, possums may also use their tails to slap the ground or nearby objects, creating a similar thumping sound. This behaviour is often observed when the animal is agitated or seeking to deter a potential predator. By creating such a loud noise, possums can communicate their presence and attempt to ward off any potential danger.
The screaming noise, on the other hand, is a high-pitched, piercing vocalization that possums use to express distress or aggression. It can be heard as a series of rapid, shrill cries or a continuous, prolonged shriek. These screams are often emitted during territorial disputes or when a possum feels threatened by a perceived danger. The sound is designed to convey alarm and aggression, serving as a warning to potential intruders or competitors.
The volume and intensity of these screams can be quite surprising, especially given the relatively small size of possums. The high-pitched nature of the sound also allows it to carry over long distances, ensuring that the possum's message of distress or aggression is conveyed effectively.
Both the thumping and screaming behaviours are important defensive strategies for possums, allowing them to communicate their presence and deter potential threats. While these noises may be alarming to humans, they play a crucial role in the possum's survival and ability to protect themselves in the wild. It is important for us to understand and respect these behaviours, giving possums the space they need to feel safe and secure.
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Frequently asked questions
Possums make a variety of noises, including grunts, growls, hisses, screeches, clicks, chattering, and squealing.
Possums are nocturnal, so they are most active and vocal at night. However, between 11 pm and 3 am, possum noises cease, and any sounds during this time are likely due to rodent activity.
Possums use different noises to communicate various messages. For example, they may growl when threatened or angry, screech as an alarm call, and click or chatter for communication within family groups.
