What is the Difference Between Rat and Possum?

Rats and possums are both small, rodent-like animals that can sometimes be found in urban areas. However, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Size: Possums are generally larger than rats. An adult possum can reach about 30 cm to 35 cm in length, while rats are typically smaller. Possums can weigh up to 13 pounds, whereas rats usually do not exceed 300 grams.
2. Appearance: Possums have a more pointed face and longer legs than rats, which allows them to stay higher off the ground. They also have distinctive white facial fur and front-facing eyes. Rats have a single pair of incisors, while possums have 50 teeth. Both animals have naked tails, but possums have a prehensile tail with a white tip.
3. Behavior: Rats are secretive and tend to be more active when it is quiet, while possums are more active at night and may be seen during the day. Possums nest in roofs but are not as frequent indoor scavengers as rats.
4. Diet: Although both animals can be considered pests, possums tend to feed on native vegetation and are not as often found scavenging indoors or ransacking stored foodstuffs. Rats are known to eat a variety of foods and are more likely to be found in densely populated areas.
5. Habitat: Rats are found all over the world and are considered rodent pests in most places, while possums are only found in the Americas and are not generally considered pests.

In summary, rats and possums differ in size, appearance, behavior, diet, and habitat. While they may share some similarities, such as long tails and sharp teeth, their distinguishing features make them easily identifiable.

Comparative Table: Rat vs Possum

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

Rats are smaller rodents that can be found all over the world, while possums are larger and only live in the Americas. Rats are considered pests and can transmit various diseases, whereas possums are not generally considered pests. Both animals share some physical similarities, such as long tails, pink feet, sharp teeth, and longer faces. However, possums have some distinct features, such as a white face, longer legs, and a prehensile tail.