Opossum vs. Possum: What’s the Difference?

Many people use “opossum” and “possum” interchangeably — but they actually refer to two different animals.

The confusion comes from their similar appearance and shared classification as marsupials, yet they live on opposite sides of the world.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Opossum → North American marsupial 🦝
• Possum → Australian marsupial 🐨

1. Opossum: The North American Marsupial

Meaning

“Opossum” (with an o) is the correct name for the marsupial native to North America.
Its full name is the Virginia opossum, the only marsupial found in the U.S. and Canada.

These animals are nocturnal, known for playing dead (“playing possum”), and have a hairless tail.

Examples (10 total)

1. An opossum was hiding under the porch.
2. The opossum curled its tail around the branch.
3. I saw an opossum crossing the road last night.
4. Opossums are North America’s only marsupials.
5. The baby opossum clung tightly to its mother’s back.
6. When threatened, an opossum might play dead.
7. Farmers often see opossums near chicken coops.
8. The opossum’s tail helps it climb trees.
9. Scientists studied how opossums resist snake venom.
10. My dog barked at an opossum in the yard.

🧠 Tip:
If it’s in North America, it’s almost always an opossum — and the “o” is pronounced only in formal writing, not speech.

In everyday U.S. English, people often drop the “o” and just say “possum,” even when referring to the American animal.

2. Possum: The Australian Marsupial

Meaning

“Possum” (without an o) refers to a completely different group of marsupials native to Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands.
These animals belong to the Phalangeridae family, while American opossums belong to the Didelphidae family.

Australian possums are fluffy, tree-dwelling, and herbivorous — quite different from the hairless-tailed American opossum.

Examples (10 total)

1. A possum climbed the tree outside our house.
2. The possum has soft fur and a bushy tail.
3. Possums are common in Australia’s suburbs.
4. The baby possum peeked from its mother’s pouch.
5. The possum eats fruit, leaves, and flowers.
6. We saw a possum on our balcony at night.
7. Possums are protected animals in Australia.
8. The possum’s eyes reflect light in the dark.
9. A possum made a nest in the roof.
10. Tourists love spotting possums in Sydney parks.

🧠 Tip:
If it’s fluffy and lives in Australia, it’s a possum, not an opossum.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Opossum = O for Over in America 🇺🇸
👉 Possum = P for Puffy and from the Pacific 🇦🇺

💡 Memory Trick:

If it’s ugly and scary-looking — it’s probably an opossum.
If it’s cute and fluffy — it’s a possum.

5. Fun Facts

• Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American mammal.
• Australian possums are protected by law and often kept as pets.
• The phrase “playing possum” comes from the opossum’s habit of pretending to be dead when threatened.
• Despite their bad reputation, opossums eat ticks and pests, making them helpful to the environment.

6. Why It’s Confusing

Early European settlers in Australia saw marsupials that resembled North American opossums and called them “possums.”
The name stuck — even though they aren’t closely related scientifically.
So now, “possum” can mean two different things depending on where you are.

Language tools like Humanizey can even detect these regional differences automatically — ensuring your writing sounds local and natural.

FAQs

1. Is “opossum” pronounced with the “o”?

In the U.S., people usually say possum even when they mean opossum. The “o” is silent in casual speech.

2. Are opossums and possums related?

They’re both marsupials, but belong to different families — like distant cousins.

3. Are opossums dangerous?

Not really. They’re shy and rarely aggressive, though they may hiss or bare teeth when scared.

4. Can I keep a possum as a pet?

In Australia, some native possums can be kept under permit, but wild opossums in the U.S. should never be pets.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Opossum” or “Possum”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. The ___ is the only marsupial found in North America.
2. We saw a fluffy ___ climbing the tree in Sydney.
3. The ___ pretended to be dead when the dog barked.
4. That ___ has a long, hairless tail.
5. The ___ eats mainly leaves and fruit.
6. I spotted an ___ under the deck last night.
7. The ___ built a nest in our Australian backyard.
8. The ___ carried her babies on her back.
9. The ___ looked more like a squirrel than a rat.
10. The scientists studied how ___ resist snake venom.

Answers

1. opossum
2. possum
3. opossum
4. opossum
5. possum
6. opossum
7. possum
8. opossum
9. possum
10. opossums