Possum in our front yard near Schomberg Ontario

by Colin & Claudia W
(Highway 9 & Weston Rd. Ont. Canada)

Possum in the Snow

Possum in the Snow

Two of our readers, who are animal lovers, sent us this report - On Sunday afternoon we had just put out some apple and pear pieces for the rabbit that has taken up residence under our porch.

About an hour later we looked out to see a Possum slowly come over to the food and start eating.

It stayed for about an hour or so and had it's fill of the fruit and also sunflower seeds for the birds.

We have Deer, Turkeys, Raccoons, Rabbits and other wild animals, but this is the first time we have seen a Possum.

Hopefully it will come back as we love animals.

Comments for Possum in our front yard near Schomberg Ontario

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Newmarket Ontario
by: Anonymous

A large possum was seen leaving the underbelly of our deck and squeezed itself under the fence at 6 o’clock this June morning of 2022. Yonge and Mulock.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in my window well
by: Anonymous

I Live in north of London (Arva). Its still trapped in my window well and I'm thinking how to help it to come out.

I have heard that people have put a piece of wood from the bottom corner of their window-well, leaning across, so that the little possum can climb up and out.

Or maybe a few bricks, stacked, so he can climb out might work.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighting in Whitby Ontario
by: Anonymous

Saw a possum in my backyard in Whitby, Ontario around 8:00pm. Saturday, July 18, 2020. It seemed to be checking out the garden.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
March 27, 2019
by: Anonymous

Possum in our backyard in Pickering, Ontario, Canada at 7:00 pm in the daytime. Could not believe my eyes.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Yonge and Lawrence Possum in my back yard March 1
by: Anonymous

Saw what initially looked like a HUGE rat, then realized it was a cute opossum, around 4:00 pm in my yard yesterday, March 1 ... it was under the bird feeder, then slowly proceeded to scout the rest of the yard, making its way on top of all the snow, before disappearing in the back.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Feb 21 2019 - Nottawa, Collngwood
by: Anonymous

I have a snow blower parked near a glass door, and the Opossum what hiding inside the front part, eating nuts.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum at Bloor and Dovercourt
by: Sooz

I came home one evening to find a Possum at the entrance to my condominium. I live at Bloor and Dovercourt. It was very cute.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum Prince Edward County
by: Anonymous

Opossum found dead by side of Highway 62 in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Just posting in case someone is tracking the spread of these animals.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Between Collingwood and Thornbury
by: Melanie

We saw a opossum run across the highway 26 between Collingwood and Thornbury late last night as we drove home from Toronto. It was the size of a cat but looked like a rat. Glad to know that it wasn’t a rat!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Mississauga
by: Anonymous

As I arrived home late last night I saw a possum on my front yard, it very casually and calmly turned around and walked slowly to the side of the house. I'm wondering if they frequently return to the same spot or if it'd be a one time thing. I'm scared now because I have a fountain, bushes and landscaping and I'm scared it hides there. I'm terrified of mice and I first thought it was a rat when I saw it so I really hope I don't see it again.

Possums are pretty harmless and will stay out of your way.
We have one living under our front porch and we only see him a couple of times a year.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Saw one in Richmond Hill, Ontario
by: Anonymous

Saw one this morning. Really cute. It isn't the first time I saw it in the area.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Hamilton Possum
by: Anonymous

We've had Possums regularly visit our front porch for many years, they come to eat cat food put out for the ferals (trap/neuter/release issue- unbeknownst to us, feral cats came with the property. Being a birder, I'm not happy about wild cats but making the best of the situation) All the Possums are easily identified by the various degrees of frost bite damage on their ears and tails. Tonight we had the first visit of the season by a very handsome fellow with perfect ears and tail - that's quite unusual. They're fascinating to observe, there's a real pecking order between the raccoons, ferals and possums. Interesting to see the diverse species relating to each other. They seem to maintain a cautious acceptance of each other.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Saw one in Guelph
by: Anonymous

Last night our 2 Basset Hounds went ballistic barking at something in the back yard and cornered it by the fence. After dragging the dogs into the house it casually chowed down near the bird feeder and as a treat I gave him some Genoa Salami. 10 minutes later he mosied on back to the forest. Having seen them in Mississippi I was quite surprised to see one this far north. We named him Peter Possum.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Markham Possum
by: Maureen

About a year ago was our first Possum sighting - definitely made the dogs go crazy. I thought we had discouraged it from staying around but about a week ago I saw it again - looking for food around the bird feeder. Tonight the dogs had it cornered again in the backyard by the shed. Why does it stay so close when the dogs love to torment it? To answer my own question, I think it might be the compost. Poor thing - there only seems to be one!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Whitby
by: Anonymous

Saw a Possum sitting on my fence in the back yard tonight. Whitby Shores area. Nice surprise for this area!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum Range
by: Anonymous

I have a picture of an Possum taken 7 km south Parry Sound, Ontario.

They are certainly spreading north, that is an area where they will find a warm place to spend the winter!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in London
by: Anonymous

One possum on the side of the road at night. Was feeding on a small dead animal.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum Sighting
by: Anonymous

I saw an opossum today in Pickering Village, Ajax. He was walking at the side of the house and peeked into the garage.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Acton
by: Anonymous

May 21st, I saw a Possum drinking from the back yard pond.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
North Guelph
by: Ray

I have seen a Possum, I think it lives under my neighbor's shed. It will have to live in harmony with the raccoons.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Spotted in Guelph, Ontario
by: Anonymous

February 24, 2016 - We saw one in our backyard in our neighborhood in the Ward (close to downtown area)! It was in the morning! Husband saw him eating the seed from our bird-garden. I guess he was eating seed! will report if we see it again! It was weird!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums
by: Anonymous

I have seen Possums in Lindsay, Ontario, last summer. You see them just at night, when I first saw it I thought it was a big rat, and got a flash light & low & behold it was a possum with some babies! I have also seen them about 5 years ago in Mississauga Ontario, off Dixie Road at our trucking terminal.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum spotted in Guelph Ontario
by: Anonymous

Someone has said they spotted one on the grounds of the University of Guelph Student Residence on Stone Road Guelph, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Decontamination
by: Anonymous

Found an Opossum in our arena! Trapped it and destroyed it, as releasing it to put other people's horses at risk is just wrong. We have removed all the feces ... I was told to use lime spray (lime solution) to disinfect, but I haven't been able to find anything on the Internet if there is a better solution or that the Lime even works to decontaminate the area where the feces was.

I have found a website that has lots of info about the North American Possum and their Possum Pages say this about the danger of Possums to animals .....

Opossums will sometimes try to eat small critters such as mice, reptiles, amphibians, and even young kittens if other food is scarce. They will leave most larger animals alone and, in fact, are more likely to be harmed by a dog or full-grown cat than they are to inflict injury on them. They will rarely fight, despite putting up a fearsome display if threatened, and most likely will simply attempt to flee or play dead. The only animals that should avoid exposure to opossums are birds, horses, and sea otters. Strange as that may sound, if these animals ingest opossum feces they are at high risk of contracting a deadly disease known as sarcocystosis. (If you suspect an opossum may have entered a stable of horses, look for signs of their feces. You can find a photograph of opossum droppings by clicking here.)

I also found this link with info about the danger to horses from the Possum at About Horses

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Concord, Ontario
by: Anonymous

I looked out the sliding door to the backyard and a possum had his nose to the door looking in - ran away when we walked toward the door.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum
by: Anonymous

Pretty sure there was one in our garbage last night. My daughter went out and it ran away. this was in Waterloo, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Whitby
by: Anonymous

Found a dead one in the backyard this morning. Ugly little bugger.

Rating
starstarstarstar
I saw two on two different occasions in Toronto!
by: Anonymous

It is September 2014 as I write this - I am sorry I can't tell you the exact dates, but I saw one in High Park (in West Toronto) and one near the Don Mills exit just south of O'Connor in East York, Toronto. Both sightings were in the last year. The latter sighting was a Possum and a Raccoon on a house roof and I saw the Possum stand down a Raccoon that was twice its size. Once the Raccoon took off up the tree, the Possum casually climbed down from the roof of the house and then meandered across the busy street (O'Connor). I prayed it wouldn't be hit and it wasn't. It went into another person's yard and ducked out of sight.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in North York, Toronto
by: Anonymous

Was walking on a side street near the very busy intersection of Yonge and Sheppard. Could not believe we saw a small baby possum (3-4 inch body), sitting under a hedge digging in the dirt. Took a few pictures to confirm it was a possum. How did they make it into North York?

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Mississauga
by: Kathy Lessward

Two nights in a row, we had a possum in our garbage on our back deck (March 2014). We have ravine beside and behind our home. He was cute! Made our two dogs go nuts, though!!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Oakville
by: Michael Willems

Last week, had one by my front door. Last year, found one dead in the street. Northwest Oakville, Westoak trails and Dundas area.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighted Possom in Markdale
by: jessie campbell

Possum in our back yard at 5:00 pm went over to neighbors yard - may be under deck

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in driveway in southwest Etobicoke
by: kicia60

Pulled into the driveway last night and lights illuminated what we thought was a small cat or Raccoon but turned out to be a Possum. Even when the horn was honked several times the little creature did not appear to be afraid. Eventually, it scurried away. This is the first time I have encountered a Possum. We are located in South West Etobicoke in an established residential area.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum spotted in Bowmanville Ontario
by: Tara

Possum spotted on the deck of a convenience store, right beside the entrance. Weird looking thing. Seemed scared. Don't bother calling the appropriate authorities to have it removed. Made a call and they said $295 just for them to come out and they couldn't guarantee they could remove it. Number one: that is far too high a price when a customer could get hurt, or a customer who ties their pet outside the store. Number two: no guarantee??? Then what the heck are you charging that much for??! Ugh. The poor thing, as ugly and weird looking as it was, was clearly scared poopless. Spotted at the Kit Kat variety store on second street in Bowmanville.

Don't worry Tara, they are pretty harmless and don't attack people or pets, their strategy when cornered is to fall over and play "dead".


Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Two at the Birdfeeders
by: Joe Morrison

Had a "regular" at the bird-feeders, today two appeared, underneath eating seeds. Between Strathroy and Mount Brydges.

Rating
starstarstarstar
Very surprised.
by: Joan Gilbert

A possum was seen under a car in our yard in Innisfil, Ontario. I was so surprised as did not think they lived here in Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums
by: Anonymous

We live in Collingwood, Ontario.
We left our shed door open and a Possum moved in, we are not sure how long it has been in there.
We feel sorry for the poor thing, it is so cold and miserable outside, it seems he/she is looking for some shelter.
We have pets and we do not want to put them in danger so we would like to see it find another home.
Anyone have any experience with these creatures. Today is Jan 11/14

This is what I have found out about Possums -
"Possums will sometimes try to eat small critters such as mice, reptiles, amphibians, and even young kittens if other food is scarce. They will leave most larger animals alone and, in fact, are more likely to be harmed by a dog or full-grown cat than they are to inflict injury on them. They will rarely fight, despite putting up a fearsome display if threatened, and most likely will simply attempt to flee or play dead. The only animals that should avoid exposure to opossums are birds, horses, and sea otters. Strange as that may sound, if these animals ingest opossum feces they are at high risk of contracting a deadly disease known as sarcocystosis".

So there you have it - they are no danger to domestic pets.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in my carport
by: Manilla,ont

January 11 2014, saw a Possum in my carport which I thought they didn't come this far north.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Delaware
by: Anonymous

I am sitting in my office just now in Delaware, Ontario, and there is a Possum sitting my window well, eating bird seed. This is the second time I have seen one here in 2 years. Poor thing looks hungry and cold! Has anyone else seen one in this area?

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Aurora
by: Anonymous

We found a Possum rummaging through our garbage outside of our house in Aurora, Ontario. I think it was scared of us so it "played dead" for a while before it left. At first we thought it was a baby Raccoon but were shocked to find out it was a possum!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Thursday December 5, 2013
by: Vic and Lisa

We saw a possum in our neighbour's yard this morning. It was huge and mainly white in colour. We believe he lives under our neighbours deck. This was in Barrie, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum visit
by: Susan

Twice this past week I have had a visit from a possum at my bird feeder in the back yard. My dog (a corgi and herder by nature) got to within a foot of it and both the dog and the possum stood their ground. No attempt to attack was made by the possum. It seemed quite placid. When I finally got the dog to return to the house the possum turned tail and disappeared under the fence. Because it returned after the first encounter with the dog I am assuming it is not frightened. The dog, on the other hand, is quite perplexed wondering why it didn't run like the cats that wander into his yard do when he is out.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Evening Possum Sighting
by: Anonymous

Possum sighting 9:30 pm in London, Ontario backyard. Possum went under our backyard deck after we spotted each other.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in my backyard in Brampton
by: George

This is the second time we saw a possum in my yard.
He was a white animal with a rat's tail. Now that my grapes are ready, I believe he came to eat some.
Fortunately I installed a net and he could not enter. I chased him away because I was concerned about my small dog.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
possum sighting
by: Carole

I saw a possum outside my condo at Warden & St.Clair on Wednesday July 10, and I did not know what it was until describing it next day to a friend. I had never seen one before and thought they only lived in the south of the U.S. It was eager to run from me and appeared to be solitary, no babies on its back either. Most surprising, the wildlife that exists here in the big smoke.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum on the Danforth
by: Anonymous

My wife and I spotted a possum near Monarch Park Ave and Strathmore Ave. It ran across our front lawn and across the street. It was whitish grey colour, big ears, a rat-like tail and the size of small cat. Yikes,I think it's looking for Greek shishkabob. Hide your garbage, they say these guys are as adept as raccoons.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Kitchener Possum
by: Anonymous

I unfortunately saw a dead Possum on the middle of the road on Ira Needles Blvd. here in Kitchener. I have never seen one here before. Poor thing!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Oshawa
by: Carolann

We were stunned to see a Possum walking along the back fence in Oshawa June 9/13.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in yard
by: Anonymous

I have a small possum in my yard right now, the dog was the one that found it. I brought the dog in and left it alone. Have seen quite a few over the years here, we live in Seaforth, Ontario, area.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Guelph
by: urban dweller

At 8:00 this morning my husband thought a raccoon was in the back yard but it was a fairly large possum wandering around several yards and decks. It has been out there for about an hour, eating under the bird feeders and moving on to scavenge in the mulch. They are supposed to be nocturnal so am surprised to see it out in broad daylight. If you look at the Ministry of Natural Resources site there is some good information on them.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum
by: Anonymous

My cat was going crazy out on the enclosed porch. I thought it was a neighbourhood cat, but it was a huge Possum!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums in the Beach, Toronto
by: Alan

March 12, 2013 9.00 AM
Just spotted not one, but two possums, in our garden in the Beach. They seem to be very much at home and presumably 1 possum + 1 possum = possum family.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Ajax, Ontario
by: Anonymous

Possum seen in Ajax, Ontario. One of our dogs was barking at the patio door, my husband went over to see what she was barking at. He lowered himself to her eye level and he couldn't believe what he saw, he was really surprised. There, underneath our patio table was this creature. He thought at first that it was a raccoon until it turned its face toward him and he saw the long face and rat like tail. He was so surprised to see this possum. We thought they did not live in Canada, much to our surprise there it was.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Weston, Ontario
by: Anonymous

Seen crossing our backyard both ways today. Was on the neighbours next door's roof in the fall.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighting in Cabbagetown, Toronto
by: Trish

Caught him peeking out of the cat shelter we have on our front porch when I went to put out recycling and got a picture.

As FYI - All our colony cats are trapped, neutered and released if they are not adoptable via Toronto Streetcats.com program and the shelters are rubbermaid bins outfitted with a tube tunnel entrance and lined with durofoam and straw to keep them warm.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Stayner
by: Anonymous

February 23 2013 - We found a big Possum in our barn in Stayner, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Party Pooper
by: Anonymous

January 7th in Collingwood, Ontario. A good sized possum comes every night to our back porch to clean up any breadcrumbs or birdseed that the birds have missed.
We were surprised to find our visitor such a prolific pooper. The possum seems to leave more scat behind than the meagre diet warrants. We have decided to discourage it and hope that as possums are nomadic in nature, it will move on.
These creatures have a reputation as a dirty animal because their scat is dangerous to humans. Rubber gloves and a mask should be used to clean up after them. We have cleaned up the bird seed, the feeders and the deck and he hasn't come back.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Port Perry
by: Kerry and Rob

We have lived in our house for three years now. I have seen our family of possums several times over the years. My husband finally saw it on January 10, 2013. When telling his friends they did not believe him. They come right up on our porch and back deck looking for food. This time his minnows for ice fishing. We got the greatest pictures because one was right at our sliding door. We do not bother them and they cause no harm to us. They are great to watch. We will happily prove Rob's friends wrong with the pictures. We will post them when we get them developed.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Lindsay
by: Mike

I saw a large Possum on the road near my house and I stopped my car and gave it the right of way

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
north Oshawa Possum spotted
by: Sue

Possum in North Oshawa - on my back fence - I back into Five Points Mall- walked right along on back fence and froze when I startled it- that was an hour ago- still "Playing Possum"- hasn't moved an inch!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighting in Mississauga !!!
by: Kimberley

A Possum in my Mississauga Backyard!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
'Possum in Pickering
by: J Macrie

Spotted a 'possum in Pickering tonight, December 21, 2012 around 9p.m. -5deg C, blowing snow. It crossed Douglas Drive in a residential area south of Highway 401 and was headed towards Douglas Creek, which empties into Frenchman's Bay, which empties into Lake Ontario about 1 & 1/4 miles away. I was on foot. I'm from Pennsylvania and know a 'possum when I see one. It's coat was full and uniform and it appeared to be a healthy animal.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Ajax
by: Anonymous

I just saw my first Possum. He was walking down the sidewalk when I took my dogs out. He took refuge under a car and was not bothered by all my picture taking.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum Invasion in Scarborough, Ontario
by: Maria

Hi you all Possum experts. We just saw our first one in Canada last night. My husband said "Grab the camera!" That meant, there's another wild creature visiting us. True enough. Awesome Possum! He let us take a few pictures where he was hiding under the van, before dashing over to the neighbour's. And, then at 3 in the morning when my husband was out front he saw another 2 dash through our front yard. We live in Scarborough and are nature enthusiasts. We regularly have everything from wild turkeys to deer and even foxes and coyotes. And, oh, the variety of birds are amazing. And we are just 1 km from a McDonalds and Timmy's plaza. I wonder where these Possum creatures are having their next meeting? Ha! Ha! So sad to learn that they will be suffering during our Canadian cold weather.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Oh Darn!
by: Nicky Morgan

Just came in from putting out some garbage and stopped when I saw what I thought was another one of the local farm cats.... by far, I thought, the ugliest cat I have EVER seen, oh wait a minute, maybe it is one of the pesky Raccoons that raid the neighbours' front porch, poaching cat food.... but no, too small and anemic looking around the eyes.... REALLY ugly..... oh my God it is an Opossum.... one more pesky rodent to cope with in Ancaster, Ontario.... just outside Hamilton

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum vs. Great Dane vs. Lab in Pickering
by: Vic

A few months ago a Possum was found dead on the side of the road just down the hill from us. (Major Oaks area)

Last night I let my two big dogs out around 11:45pm. Lo and behold this huge Possum was scampering in the back part of our lot.

Sure enough, the dogs easily overtook the thing but I panicked because I initially thought it was a Rabbit, but it moved way too slowly.

I ran out in my boxers and tee-shirt shouting at the dogs to back down and came face to face with the critter.

It was huge, hissed like a cat and flashed its pearly whites for me! Wow, huge shark-like teeth!! :)

I managed to corral the dogs and chase off the Possum with loud shouts and a plastic chew toy.

That critter could have inflicted quite the wound if my dogs got close enough. Ugly too!!!

I'll take the Rabbits, Mice, Raccoons and Skunks anytime, over these creatures! :)

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Gilford, Ontario
by: Fran

I put out food for stray cats and the other night my husband called me down with something to show me, I was afraid it was kittens, but it was a Possum, first live one I have ever seen. He didn't seem concerned just slowly crept away I gather, after he filled up on cat food. Strange looking little thing, haven't seen him since.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighting in Duntroon
by: Diana

We had a Possum on our deck on the night of November 17, 2012. We live adjacent to Devils Glen Provincial Park. Not a particularly pretty fellow!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opposum In Oakville
by: Anonymous

Early this morning I took out the compost and heard a rustling in the bushes near our deck... Out came a Opposum which quickly scurried under the fence and into the neighbour's back yard. What a shock... Lived in the house for 23 years and this is the first time I've seen them... What a delight! As long as he/she doesn't set up shop in the house ;)

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighted in Pickering, Ontario.
by: Jim

I live on Marksbury Rd, in Pickering,Ontario, near Frenchman's Bay and I just saw the very first Possum I've ever seen during my lifetime of 59 years right here in front of my house, and I've spent thousands of hours in the bush partridge, bear, moose & deer hunting .

Rating
starstarstarstar
Possum in Whitby
by: Anonymous

We just had a Possum in our yard in Whitby.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in my front yard
by: Anonymous

I just saw my 1st Possum, it almost came in my house. My friend was trying to feed it, I was trying just to get far away. I don't know anything about Possums and its not an animal I want to get close to. This is one Uuugly animal.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Ajax
by: Anonymous

My husband said that he saw a Possum the other day early morning. I thought he was nuts, until tonight, he was on my fence! Should I worry about it? Should I worry about my dog?

I don't think you need to worry about your dog, Possums aren't animals that will attack your dog, it they are cornered, they tend to fall over and play "dead", until the danger is passed, they they go on their way.

They are also not known to be big carriers of Rabies, but if you are concerned, talk to your Vet who might know more.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum near Rice Lake
by: Anita

Driving my son home one very dark night last week we were the only car travelling down a lonely road when all of the sudden an animal appeared in front of us, nibbling at something on the road. I had to brake hard and swerve as both my son and his girlfriend yelled, "It's a Possum!" right at the same time that we felt the car and possum collide.

My son looked out the back window and apparently the Possum was okay because it scrambled across the road. My 16-year old son then said, "Mom, that's the first time in my life I've ever seen a Possum and you hit it!"

Hopefully Mr. Possum is okay..... we went back to look but it was nowhere to be seen.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum In North York
by: David

Oct. 15, 2012

I got up at 4:20am to get a glass of milk, looked out the window here and see this "thing" scurrying up the sidewalk across the road, then it heads over to our side of the road. It was then I realized I had just spotted my first Opossum.

I have always had Raccoons come to my house for their treats in the past. But, to see this creature was quite a thrill.

We live in the Victoria Park & Finch Area.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums like Collingwood too!
by: Dave West

Just had a fairly large Possum pay us a visit this evening. It came up on our front deck and casually strolled over to a dish of cat food we put out for our neighbourhood feline visitors. It didn't seem the least bit intimidated. Ate a little bit of food, looked up at me and walked of into the night.
We have everything from racoons, rabbits, skunks and all kinds of other nightly visitors but this is the first time we've had a possum drop by.
Hope to see it again soon. We love animal visitors.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighting
by: Anonymous

Possum sighting in St Thomas, Ontario, tonight.

Was sitting on the deck eating cat food!

We were afraid it would scare away the two kittens and cat that are living out there.

I'm in St Thomas too, and we see them now and again

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Oppsum in Pickering
by: Doug W

Just got to work at Pickering GNS.

One of my co-workers saw one running along the fence today.

I have seen them as road kill in mid western Ontario.

Sept. 28 2012

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in North York
by: Daveee

For about a month now, we have a Possum visit our backyard almost every night. At first, we didn't know what it was. It has this long thick wood-like tail.

Once this animal sees me or my wife, (we smoke outside), the animal slowly moves along our fence until it finds a hole in the fence and leaves our backyard.

Interesting to read how this animal might have come up to our region on a train from the Southern US.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in our back yard
by: Anonymous

On the evening of Saturday September 22 we were having a family get together when we noticed something peering in the back glass door.

When the grandchildren took a closer look it turned out to be a fairly large Possum - about the size of a fairly large cat.

This is in the Kennedy and Finch area of Scarborough, Ontario. I had never seen a possum before but after doing some research there seems to be a fair number of sightings in southern Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums in Ajax
by: Anonymous

I had no idea Possums lived in Ontario until I saw one (unfortunately deceased) at the side of the road.

This was in Ajax, Ontario, - I will keep my eyes peeled for a living example of the species!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Pickering
by: Anonymous

Saw a medium sized Possum tonight on my deck. It wasn't aggressive, just peaceful. Got a great shot of it then it wandered off. Cute things really.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Collingwood Ontario Possum
by: chris staeger

I just rode my bike home from work and saw a huge Possum exiting across my nieghbour's from lawn towards the back of his house.

I had to do a double take. Yup, that was a Possum alright!

Wow I didn't know we had them here in Collingwood, that's cool!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Birchmount and Danforth (Toronto)
by: Michelle

I was out on the front porch, visiting with a few strays that come around for attention and a bit of food, and they seem to have brought a buddy with them.

This small, mostly white Possum just followed one of the kittens up the stairs to where the little bowl of food was.

When it noticed me it went to hide behind the table, it was comical and surreal I did not realize that we had Possums here in Toronto.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I saw on Possum walking across my deck
by: George

I live in Mississauga, Ontario, one July night, around 11pm to midnight, I saw a Possum on my backyard deck. I believe it visits frequently recently.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
We have a possum
by: angie

We live in Kitchener, Ontario, we have a cute Possum in our back deck. I feel bad for it, seems to be scared.

Are they dangerous? Mean? Do they have rabies? We have dogs and am afraid to put them out now in case. The thing is cute but I don't want it hang around.

As far as I know, Possums are not major carriers of Rabies, so it is likely safe to allow your dogs outside in the yard.

You could call your local Veterinarian and ask them if there is a Rabies risk from the Possum.

I have not heard of them being mean of vicious, as the ones we have seen here tend to wander off when they see us!



Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums in Hamilton
by: Rhonda

Possum sighting nightly in Hamilton backyard, in 55 years of my life, I have never seen a Possum & never knew we had them here in Ontario.

Looks like a large rat with a funny face.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Oakville sighting @ 1am
by: Anonymous

What the heck....never knew that Ontario had Possum, I thought it was a big ugly rat!

I screamed

It screamed;)

That is so funny! Thank you for telling us about your Possum sighting!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
401 and Neilson Road Scarborough
by: Anonymous

OMG There is an Opossum in my yard. Not very cute, kinda ugly. Skinny tail and longer nose.

My cat had no idea what it was, but the cat was on all fours with a very loud salute.

Well, slowly he went away.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum sighting Bayview & Davisville!
by: Kim

Couldn't believe our eyes last night (1:00am) when we saw a big "white" Opossum in our Toronto driveway!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums in Hamilton (near Grimsby)
by: Anonymous

Hey, I looked outside this evening to see two Possums fighting over some leftover cat food in the yard. I heard they are nomadic animals and move on after their food source is diminished, but we have seen one possum hanging around for the past months, had no idea there was more than one though. Maybe they like living near the lake as well?

Thanks for the info - I have never heard that they are nomadic, and we had one living under our front steps for a whole summer, a couple of years back!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Oshawa, Ontario
by: Anonymous

I was sitting out in the yard late last night when a small animal jumped the fence and started wandering toward the trash bins. At first I thought it was a big scruffy cat, but it had a long, hairless tail more like a rat. I startled it and it jumped the fence and took off. It must have returned, though, as this morning I had a mess to clean up from the compost bin.

I spoke to my neighbours about it and they told me possums have been spotted in the ravine down the street. I had no idea they were here in Ontario!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Help!
by: Anonymous

I live in Burlington south and for the past several months have been alerted by the dog barking from inside the house, of an intruder in our back yard.

I have seen a rather large Possum waddling around our deck and foliage and know that it lives under the deck.

Managed to get some fuzzy photos of it and saw it several times over the winter. Ater several weeks of no visual sitings tonight at dusk there was a smaller one sitting by the hedge. Suddenly a big white head emerged from behind the hedge to nuzzle the smaller one...

Are there more of these creatures??

I love having them and know they are harmless, however we are about to have the deck torn up and redone and I am WORRIED about these guys.

Should I be and will they adapt to this upheaval? HELP!

I think your Possums should be fine. If you are having your deck re-done, would it be possible for you to have it removed one day, and not re-built until the following day (or later), to give the Possums time to re-locate their babies, if they have any?

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sarnia sightings
by: Cheri

We saw a very large Opossum last summer in our driveway. Mellow and calm, just meandering around thru the bushes and across the street. We saw one again a couple of days ago. It came right to our front steps and looked up at us. Beautiful creatures. I hope they continue to come around. I read that they rank above pigs and dolphins for intelligence which is pretty amazing. Welcome to Sarnia our Canadian Marsupials.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Road Kill Possums
by: Anonymous

Have seen several dead ones near Newmarket, Ontario on the side of various roads. If I see a live one on my farm, it will be joining them.

They carry protozoa which can make horses extremely ill and for which treatment is very expensive and not always successful.

Stay south you overgrown rats!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I saw one in Stoney Creek Ontario
by: kayla

I saw a Possum a few months ago in our co-op between my backyard and the neighbors yard, clear as a bell :p

Then a few days later we saw it or maybe another on the side of the road :( about .5 km from where I saw the live one, so there's been sightings on the Stoney Creek Mountain

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum in Ajax Ontario
by: Anonymous

I had just moved back to Ajax in fall of 2010 and observed a very large Opossum crossing the road from a subdivision into a wooded area bordering Carruthers Creek. It was at least 12 inches long plus tail and very fat.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Oakville Ontario Possums
by: paul

They have been in Oakville, Ontario, for at least the last 25 years or so.

Harmless, and we see them quite often in the early nite time hours

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Niagara Falls Possum
by: Anonymous

I moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario from Newmarket, I would say about 9 years ago, I was surprised one day to see a Possum, although I have seen many since then... apparently possums have been here for years, they are just seen as the Raccoons, something to try and keep out of your garbage

I see so many of them dead on the roads on my way to work. When I showed my shock when first seeing one, everyone here in the Falls, thought i was crazy... haha

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Yonge / Eg Possom
by: Anonymous

Several years ago (approx. 2002), my bf at the time and I, tested out a camping tent in the North Toronto High school football field just past a parking lot.

For fun once we had it up, we climbed in. Then, suddenly an animal poked up underneath us and crawled under the fabric of the tent and headed out from under it.

We ran out of the tent to see what it was and were amazed to see what was a WHITE Possum. Very cute!!! We thought it was a giant white rat.

Now of course, years later a Giant Tridel Condo and high school has been re-built on this location and I can't help but wonder where the cute little guy moved to! :)

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Spotted one in Lindsay, Ont.Mar 10/12
by: Megan

I looked out the back window at 8 am to see an animal going around the neighbour's backyards, looking in the grass for bugs.

I thought it was a small dog at first, till I saw the face. It was an Opossum.

Furry and grey, short little legs and a fat round body.

This one was fat - it survived the winter well!

Yep, that's him - I love your description - furry and grey, short little legs and a fat round body ...... sounds a little like my husband!

Just kidding, Honey!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighting
by: Paul Heerebout

The first Possum I ever saw was last night, sadly dead on the road in the north end of Bowmanville, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Dead Opossum on Whitby road
by: S & W

Whitby, Ontario, Saturday March 3, 2012
We were surprised to see a dead Opossum at the side of the Anderson road, north of Taunton, Ontario.

It was about the size of a small house cat; poor thing was not sleeping.

This is the first Opossum we have seen.

My brother also has seen one (alive) last year in Dundas, Ontario.

I guess there are more up here than we had imagined.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighting in Scarborough
by: Anonymous

Sadly the critter was road kill, but it took me quite by surprise on driving the kids to school this morning.

I didn't think they were in this neck of the woods.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighting today
by: Lauren

January 23, 2012

Saw a Possum today walking across their back yard and up between the next house. I had to run out the front door to see where it was going in my pj's. He was cute but the size of a cat and healthy looking just a bit wet.

A few years ago there was one living under my other neighbor's deck. He took up the floor boards of the deck and it was sleeping there. It left on its own after a while.

We are in Mississauga. Winston Churchill and 403.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Whitby
by: Anonymous

Wondered what was eating the bread I throw out for the Squirrels tonight in the back yard.

Had to Google it to find out it was a Possum in Whitby, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstar
Possum Sighting
by: Bill Gillespie

We just saw what seemed to be a Possum walking across our back fence here in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada at 8:30 on this rainy morning on December 15, 2011.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sarnia sitting of Possum
by: Marilyn

Possum sighting in Sarnia, Ontario.

I've lived in Texas and saw many Possums, but never this size, as big as my Shitzu.

Saw it when letting her out.

Made noise & it left yard.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Etobicoke Possum
by: Ron

A small Possum visits my front porch every night looking for food that is left out for a stray cat.

It seems to be pals with the cats.

This is at Royal York Road & The Queensway, Etobicoke, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Acton Ontario
by: Anonymous

Last evening at 11:30 pm our Westie was barking at a Possum on our back yard fence. Our first official sighting. We believe he may be homesteading under the neighbours pool house.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Sighting in Glen Ross, Ontario
by: Anonymous

I saw one this morning about 5:30 am on my way to work. It was walking across road and I had to stop to allow it to cross safely. It was seen in Glen Ross, Ontario, just north of Frankford and Trenton.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum
by: Paolo

This baby is in Guelph too!!!!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum and the dog!
by: Shelley

Tonight our dog found an Opossum and cornered it by the side door. It was probably the same one he found a couple of weeks ago. They look like large rats but seem quite peaceful.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
possum in Whitby
by: Anonymous

I had a Possum on the back fence last night in Whitby.

My dog was barking at it, but it did not seem scared.

When I went into the house to get the camera it disappeared.

It was the size of a small house cat.

The tail did not have any fur but it looked well fed.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in downtown Toronto
by: Anonymous

Saw a Possum last night in our garden. We live in an urban area in the west of Toronto.

It was surprising as we have never seen one before.

It seemed quite content and unafraid, even as we shone a flashlight at it to get a better look!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possums in East Hamilton
by: Dave

Was sitting with neighbours around their patio table at 8:30 this evening, when two full-grown Possums just leisurely walked past us, and hopped the fence into the next yard.

Luckily their dog didn't see them.

If there hadn't been a half moon out, we probably wouldn't have seen them.

Quite an experience!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
in south oshawa
by: geoff

I saw one on my chain link fence late last night.

It didn't seem to be afraid of me, was quite the surprise!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum on Finley Ave in Ajax, Ontario
by: Anonymous

I saw a Possum on Finley Ave in Ajax. Today is Aug 31/11.

There was another car behind and like me he also slowed down to look.

It looked like a giant rat except more robust.

He crossed the road in front of me and then stopped to look at me.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
An Opossum
by: Anonymous

I caught a opossum in a live trap last night. Today I am taking him to the forest to let it go.

This in in Bowmanville, Ontario, near Highway 57 and Waverley.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
London, Ontario
by: m

I saw a Possum on our back fence - it wasn't scared, it walked slowly across the fence.

We live in London, Ontario.

Rating
starstarstarstar
Caught Possum
by: Polly

I had set a trap in the hope of catching a skunk, but to my surprise when I checked the trap in the morning there was a large Possum.

I live on highway 21 near Bayfield on Lake Huron.

It was very docile, and nice to see a live one as the only possum I had seen were road kill.

We relocated it to a wooded area where hopefully it can live in peace.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Ajax ON
by: Anonymous

There was a Possum in my yard in Ajax last weekend July 22/11 at around dusk. I only saw it for a second and it ran and hid somewhere. I didn't see where it went and couldn't find it after that.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum in Stouffville and Aurora
by: Anonymous

Sitting on my porch on a hot July night in Stouffville, I just saw a healthy adult Possum walking my garden just 6 feet in front of me.

He was obviously doing his nightly rounds.

It was very well acquainted with the neighbourhood of this south eastern Ontario small town.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Kitchener Possum
by: Anonymous

One spotted in our backyard in Kitchener. We think we have a family of Possums living in our treed backyard. It was on our deck and growled and hissed at me when I went to bring our shoes in for the night.

I have to say it scared me as I didn't see what it was until we turned the light on outside. It sat by our BBQ with its ears perked up and didn't move the whole time we watched it.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Possum sighting in Ajax
by: Cindy

About 1/2 hour ago I turned on the porch light & then stepped outside to test my motion detector lights ..... to my initial dismay, I thought I was starring at a skunk!

Then realizing there was no white stripe, still a bit freaked thinking it was a giant rat!

It was just looking at me, frozen. Then it walked right past me & underneath the deck.

I live in Ajax, just east of Toronto.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Another possum sighting in Toronto...
by: Anonymous

We live near St. Clair and Bathurst, also a rather busy neighbourhood. Sitting out on our balcony the other night, we saw a strange creature crossing the road... Yep, definitely a possum! So cute!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I'm not in the Prairies anymore!
by: Lovely

We just moved to Windsor about 8 months ago, from the chilly city of Winnipeg.
two months after settling in, I came across a dead possum on the road about a block from my house. I didn't even know what kind of animal it was at first! I had to ask!

Well tonight, I went into my dark living room for my phone, and by the porch light saw a possum walking by my FRONT WINDOW!!!!!
I almost screamed!!!

What ARE these little things?!?!

And can I let my tiny dog out at night again???!!
Give me blizzards and wind chills anyday, cuz I don't know what to do about Giant Tree-hiding rats!!!

AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Welcome to Ontario!

So, you met a Possum, eh? They are migrants from the South and seem to be moving here and surviving in southern Ontario.

Your little dog should be safe, they don't seem dangerous, I'd just make noise while you're letting him out to let the Possum know that you are around.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum in Toronto
by: Anonymous

Going to work this morning I saw a fairly large Opossum in Toronto's Yonge and Eglinton area (uptown).

It was just sitting still in front of a store's door.

I had a rather good look at it and without a doubt it was an Opossum. Wow!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Wasaga Beach has one
by: Tracy

Sighted a Possum this week in my side yard at the west end of Wasaga Beach. Very quiet and gentle creature.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Opossum in Oshawa!
by: Stephanie

I was taking a walk to the Tim Hortons for a Cup 'o Joe, and i cut through a path of a townhouse complex.

Sitting on top of the fence was a fairly large Possum!!

I was so surprised as this particular area is heavily populated with apartment buildings and busy streets.

Stephanie

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Saw one!
by: mariannne

I just heard a noise on the porch and realised I had forgotten to put my latest kitchen garbage bag in the garage.

I thought it was a neighbourhood cat and got a big surprise when I opened the door and came face to face with a cute gray ratlike creature which quickly scuttled away and hid behind a garden rake.

Uxbridge has Opossums!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Possum sightings 2013.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.