Can Possums Dig?

Yes, possums can dig.
 
While many people think of possums as creatures that mainly climb trees or scavenge on the surface, digging is indeed part of their behavior in certain situations.
 
If you’ve been asking “can possums dig?” or wondering whether these marsupials burrow or root around underground, you’re not alone.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why possums dig, the ways they do it, what they dig for, and how their digging habits compare to other similar animals.
 
Let’s dig right into it!
 

Why Possums Can and Do Dig

Possums are capable diggers, but the extent and purpose of their digging can vary widely depending on the species and environment.
 
Here are the primary reasons why possums dig:
 

1. Searching for Food

One of the main reasons possums dig is to find food sources hidden underground or beneath leaf litter.
 
Possums are omnivores and scavengers who enjoy eating insects, grubs, worms, roots, tubers, and small invertebrates, all of which can often be found just under the soil surface.
 
For example, the common brushtail possum and the opossum from the Americas are known to dig around areas rich in organic material.
 
This searching behavior means they often root around the ground, moving leaves and soil to uncover tasty morsels.
 

2. Creating or Modifying Shelter

While possums are generally arboreal or tree-dwelling, certain species will dig or burrow to create or improve shelter, particularly in harsh environments.
 
For instance, the common brushtail possum sometimes uses abandoned burrows or digs shallow holes to create sleeping dens or escape predators.
 
Digging here helps them stay safe and maintain a comfortable living spot, especially during extreme weather.
 

3. Nesting and Reproduction

Some possum species use digging as part of preparing a nesting site for raising their young.
 
Female possums may dig or polish out a hollow underground space, or line a shallow nest with leaves or grass found by digging.
 
This helps protect the vulnerable joeys and provides a cozy environment for early development stages.
 

4. Territory Marking or Environmental Interaction

Digging can also be linked to territorial and behavioral interactions.
 
Possums might dig to leave scent marks or create signs in the terrain that communicate territorial boundaries or mating readiness to other possums.
 
Additionally, digging disturbs the soil in ways that can help with nutrient cycling and seed dispersal, indirectly benefiting the possums’ habitat.
 

How Possums Dig Compared to Other Animals

Possums are not the heaviest or most aggressive diggers in the animal kingdom, but their digging has unique characteristics worth knowing.
 

1. Digging Tools: Paws and Claws

Possums use their strong front paws and sharp claws to scratch and dig.
 
These paws are well-adapted not just for climbing but also for manipulating dirt and moving litter, giving the possum a versatile approach to digging tasks.
 
Compared to dedicated burrowing animals like moles or gophers, possums don’t have specialized shovel-like claws but make up for it with dexterity and persistence.
 

2. Depth and Extent of Digging

Possums generally dig shallow holes or scratch the surface rather than excavate deep tunnels.
 
They tend to dig just enough to uncover food or ready a secure spot for nesting.
 
In contrast, badgers or wombats dig extensive burrow systems, but possums favor surface disturbance over deep digging.
 

3. Occasional Burrow Use

While not habitual burrowers, some possum species will opportunistically use existing burrows or dig shallow chambers to rest.
 
For example, possums may take over abandoned rabbit holes or dig under fallen logs.
 
But they rarely invest in the long-term construction of elaborate burrows like true fossorial animals.
 

Which Possum Species Are Most Likely to Dig?

Not all possums dig equally; digging behaviors can differ by species and their native habitat.
 

1. Australian Brushtail Possum

The Australian brushtail possum is mainly arboreal but will occasionally dig shallow holes to find insects or create den spaces.
 
Their climbing skills don’t exclude them from ground-level digging when the need arises.
 

2. Common Opossum in North America

The North American opossum is known for more opportunistic digging when scavenging or nest building.
 
They are versatile feeders and will dig modestly to expose grub-rich soil.
 

3. Cuscus and Other Tree-Dwelling Possums

These possums rarely dig as they spend most of their lives in tree canopies.
 
Their diet and lifestyle do not rely on ground foraging or bedding that requires digging.
 

4. Ground Possums and Burrowing Species

Some ground possums and closely related marsupials are better diggers with more propensity for burrow systems.
 
Though strictly speaking not all of these are “possums,” their digging highlights the diversity in behaviors among marsupials.
 

Are Possums Sometimes Considered Pests Due to Digging?

Possums’ digging behavior can cause frustration or damage, especially in suburban and agricultural areas.
 

1. Garden Disturbances

Possums digging in gardens can uproot plants, dig up tubers, or disturb compost heaps while searching for food.
 
Gardeners sometimes notice turned soil where possums have been rooting for insects or edible roots.
 

2. Lawn and Soil Damage

Repeated digging can create unsightly holes or patches in lawns and flowerbeds.
 
While not as destructive as invasive animals like wild boars, possums’ digging still affects soft soil areas.
 

3. Taking Shelter in Buildings or Yards

Possums may dig under decks, sheds, or woodpiles to make nests or seek shelter.
 
This can cause structural damage or hygiene concerns if the animals stay too close to human activity.
 
Happily, possums generally avoid humans unless forced, and their digging rarely becomes severe enough to justify removal except in rare nuisance cases.
 

So, Can Possums Dig? Yes—Here’s What You Need to Know

Yes, possums can dig, mostly for food, shelter preparation, nesting, and occasional territorial behavior.
 
While they are not dedicated burrowers, possums are versatile enough to scratch and dig shallow holes to meet their needs.
 
Different possum species vary in their digging tendencies, with ground-foraging possums more likely to dig than strictly tree-living varieties.
 
Possums’ digging can cause minor disturbances in gardens or yards but generally isn’t as destructive as other digging wildlife.
 
Understanding why and how possums dig can help you peacefully coexist with these curious marsupials and manage any digging-related concerns effectively.
 
So next time you see disturbed soil or small holes in your yard, remember: yes, possums can dig—and they’re probably just looking for a snack or a cozy spot to rest.
 
Digging