Common Predators:
* Birds of Prey: Hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons are known to prey on young or smaller possums.
* Canids: Coyotes, foxes, and domestic dogs can all pose a threat to possums.
* Felids: Bobcats, lynx, and feral cats are also known to hunt possums.
* Snakes: Large snakes, like pythons or boa constrictors, can be a threat to possums, especially young ones.
* Other Mammals: Larger raccoons, weasels, and even some larger rodents can prey on possums.
Other Threats:
* Humans: Roadkill is a major threat to possums. Additionally, some people consider them pests and may attempt to trap or kill them.
* Disease: Possums are susceptible to various diseases, like parasites and rabies, which can weaken them and make them more vulnerable to predators.
Interesting Fact:
Possums have a unique defense mechanism that helps them survive against predators. They can play dead, emitting a foul-smelling odor from their anal glands to deter attackers. This "playing possum" behavior often confuses and disorients predators, giving the possum a chance to escape.
Remember that the specific predators of possums can vary depending on the region and the species of possum.