What is the Difference Between Raccoon and Possum?

Raccoons and possums are two medium-sized mammals that are native to the Americas and share some similarities in their diet and habitat. However, they have distinct differences in their physical characteristics, behavior, and diet.

Here are the main differences between raccoons and possums:

1. Physical Characteristics: Raccoons are larger and longer than possums, measuring between 2 and 3 feet long, while possums are typically about 14 to 30 inches long. Raccoons weigh between 7 and 35 pounds, while possums usually weigh around 10 pounds, although some possums can weigh up to 32 pounds. Raccoons have a bushy, striped tail and a black mask on their face, while possums have a light-colored face and a white to gray fur covering their body.
2. Diet: Although both animals are opportunistic feeders, raccoons are more likely to hunt small animals like frogs, turtles, rabbits, and birds, while possums primarily eat insects, fruits, small mammals, and birds, as well as decaying animal carcasses.
3. Behavior: Raccoons are known for their intelligence and dexterity, as they can open doors, pull off lids, and easily access food sources. Possums, on the other hand, are less likely to hunt larger pests and mostly rely on insects, spiders, and slugs for their diet.
4. Tails: Raccoons have bushy tails with alternating color bands, while possums have thin, hairless, prehensile tails that they use for climbing and carrying small objects.
5. Reproduction: Raccoons are placental mammals, while possums are marsupials, meaning that they have a pouch where their young complete their development after birth.

In summary, raccoons and possums may share some similarities in their diet and habitat, but they have distinct differences in their physical characteristics, behavior, diet, and reproductive systems.

Comparative Table: Raccoon vs Possum

Here is a table comparing the differences between raccoons and possums:

Possums and raccoons are both nocturnal animals known for their scavenging habits, but they have several differences in terms of origin, physical features, and social behavior.