The Mountain Brushtail Possum, or Bobuck as it is also commonly called, is one of the largest species of arboreal marsupials living in wet sclerophyll forests in south-eastern Australia, and cool temperate rainforests patches in NSW and south eastern QLD.

The southern animals of this species have olive grey fur. On the north coast of Australia the Mountain Brushtail can have a variety of colors, from the common grey colour to golden, black, brown and a combination of all.

Sexual maturity is reached at about 3 years of age. The female gives birth to normally only one young. Pouch life is approximately 120 days, after which the juvenile possum will travel part time on mums back. Mortality rate at this stage can be high.
They tend to stay with their mother for much longer than other possum species.
Lifespan can be as long as 17 years, possibly longer.

Mountain Brushtails live in hollow logs mainly found in old trees, so please think before cutting down that old tree, someone may call it home.
All possums are territorial. The old way of relocating a possum is no longer an option we should consider. They will in most cases not survive, because other possums already in residence will not tolerate competition, and can seriously injure the newcomer.

WIRES (Wildlife Information and Rescue Service) receive regular calls asking for relocation of possums living in the roof. In many cases the animal is not a possum, but smaller creatures, like rats and mice. In most cases you can tell the difference: If you hear the noise at all hours, it is probably not a possum, but the smaller creatures. Possums will usually only be heard just as it is getting dark, as it is leaving for the night, and you will hear it again as it returns early in the morning.

If you do establish that it is a possum living in the roof, and it is a problem for you, the only option that is available, is to give the possum another home like a possum box, situated close by in a tall tree. Find the place that the animal is getting through to the roof, and close it off, but please make sure the possum has left before closing, and also that there is not a young left behind. A light left on at night in the ceiling can discourage the possum from living there.
As development takes place, so does displacement of our native creatures like possums. Let us make sure that they continue to have a place amongst us.