Possums and raccoons both look cute, but they can cause problems if they get into your garbage or if you come across them in the wild. Which animal is more dangerous? Both possums and raccoons are related to each other and part of the same order, called Didelphimorphia, which includes about 100 species of marsupials.
However, most possums and raccoons will not attack people without being provoked. They’re more likely to go away than to fight back if threatened by humans.
Raccoon Vs Possum Who Would Win in a Fight?
Raccoons are omnivores and are at risk of rabies and distemper. They have sharp teeth and claws that can cause serious injuries to humans. On the other hand, a possum is an herbivore but it can bite if cornered. They are more likely to spread Lyme disease than the raccoon.
Are Opossums And Raccoons Related?
Raccoons and opossums are not closely related. Opossums are in the same order as shrews and moles, while raccoons are in the order of Carnivores.
This may make raccoons more dangerous because they generally prey on animals that are bigger than themselves. Opossums are generally scavengers and will only attack other animals if they feel threatened or if they’re looking for a new home to make a nest.
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The biggest difference between opossums and raccoons is that one is a true omnivore and one is a carnivore. The scientific name for both animals is Didelphidae. Despite being in the same family, they both have different diets. A possum generally lives on fruits and veggies and even cat or dog food when it’s available.
Are Raccoons And Possums Friends?
Raccoons and Possums are close neighbors but they are not in any way considered friends, although they bump into each other regularly at best they tolerate each other, they are considered rivals because they share the same food sources.
What Animals Do Raccoons Get Along With?
Some animals that raccoons might be interested in are opossums, groundhogs, and chipmunks. All of these are nocturnal animals and typically den during the day. All three also have adaptations to get rid of saliva waste by using their tongue for drooling on leaves or licking it off their paw and then rubbing it off on tree bark or another surface.
Are Opossums Smarter Than Raccoons?
I am going to make the argument that Opossums are smarter than Raccoons and here is why. First of all, Opossums tend to be more aware of their surroundings and can use this knowledge to protect themselves. They rely on sensing a threat as opposed to seeing it to avoid being preyed upon.
Raccoons are craftier than opossums and thus have an easier time avoiding predation. They rely on their dexterity more than their senses and have better camouflage than opossums. That is why they make excellent climbers as they can climb trees to escape a predator with relative ease.
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Differences between a Possum and a Raccoon
Possums and raccoons have very different eating habits. Possums are omnivores who will eat a variety of plants and animals while raccoons usually only eat meat.
Both possums and raccoons will go after your garden produce if they find a way in. If you notice critters digging up your gardens or plants, you may have a possum or raccoon problem. (Continue with possum vs raccoon differences).
ALSO SEE: What Size Hole Can A Chipmunk Fit Through?
Are Raccoons And Possums Friends?
Possums and raccoons might seem like they’re buddies because they hang out in the same environments. Possums are considered North America’s only native species of marsupial while raccoons are our only native species of bear-like mammal. But that doesn’t mean that possums and raccoons are friends quite the contrary. Possum mothers will fight off a raccoon mother to keep their Joey safe
Which Is Worse Possum Or Raccoon?
The Raccoon is a bit more dangerous than the passive possum, both are albeit dangerous to humans but when it comes to formability, consider the Raccoon as the possum is more docile.
Regarding diseases, both animals carry the same set of potential dangers, so you can say they are both dangerous to human health.
Is A Possum Dangerous What Animals Prey On Possums?
Possums are not aggressive animals, they attempt to look vicious by their open-mouthed hissing, and if that fails they play dead.
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They aren’t dangerous, but when they feel attacked they can bite in defense, although the bite is quite rare for your safety, and to avoid the risks, you should stay clear of them.
Some animals feed on possums and the main predators of Possums include dogs, great-horned owls, bobcats, foxes, large hawks, coyotes, etc.
What Animals Are Possums Scared Of?
Possums are scared of their predators and it is a natural reaction and it is completely understandable.
The presence of animals like cats, dogs, coyotes, foxes, large hawks, etc.
What Animals Are Possums Related To?
Possums are related to other marsupials like koalas, wombats, and the Kangaroo. They stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop.
Possums are members of the marsupial order Didelphimorphia endemic to the Americas.
What Animals Are Possums Afraid Of?
Asides from scents, there are some animals that possums are afraid of and will stay clear off.
These animals are often predators of Possums and will eat them when given the chance.
These predators of possums include dogs, cats, coyotes, foxes, large hawks, e.t.c.
What Animals Do Possums Kill?
Possums can be used as natural pest control, they will hunt and kill other animals like mice, rats, cockroaches, snails, slugs, and other garden pests.
Possums are adapted to eat anything like fish, frogs, and reptiles, they are skilled scavengers and can survive on carrion and also on biowastes as well as compost piles.