Found a possum on the ground? What to do now
Finding a possum on the ground can be concerning. Sometimes it is completely normal. Other times, it is a sign the animal is injured or unwell.
Australian possums, including the Common Brushtail and Common Ringtail, are nocturnal tree-dwelling animals. They spend most of their time in trees and are active at night. Because of this, seeing one on the ground , especially during the day, deserves careful observation and might need your help.
Here is how to tell the difference.
Australian possums, including the Common Brushtail and Common Ringtail, are nocturnal tree-dwelling animals. They spend most of their time in trees and are active at night. Because of this, seeing one on the ground , especially during the day, deserves careful observation and might need your help.
Here is how to tell the difference.
Firstly, what time of day is it?
During the day
A possum sitting or wandering on the ground in daylight is not typical behaviour.
Daytime ground activity often indicates the possum may be:
• Injured
• Weak
• Dehydrated
• Stressed
• Unwell
If it is daytime and the possum is exposed, slow, or not attempting to hide, it should be assessed by a wildlife rescue group. Please call a group for advice. See numbers below.
At night
At night, possums may briefly travel on the ground while:
• Moving between trees
• Foraging
• Avoiding disturbance
A healthy possum will move quickly, stay alert, and climb confidently when threatened. This sort of possum does not need you to intervene.
A possum sitting or wandering on the ground in daylight is not typical behaviour.
Daytime ground activity often indicates the possum may be:
• Injured
• Weak
• Dehydrated
• Stressed
• Unwell
If it is daytime and the possum is exposed, slow, or not attempting to hide, it should be assessed by a wildlife rescue group. Please call a group for advice. See numbers below.
At night
At night, possums may briefly travel on the ground while:
• Moving between trees
• Foraging
• Avoiding disturbance
A healthy possum will move quickly, stay alert, and climb confidently when threatened. This sort of possum does not need you to intervene.
Signs that something may be wrong
• Staggering or appearing unsteady
• Falling over
• Dragging a limb/visible injuries such as wounds, swelling, blood, tail damage
• Sitting hunched and motionless
• Moving very slowly
• Not reacting when approached
• Open-mouth breathing or panting
Note: A possum that has been in contact with a cat or a dog must see a vet.
Even if you cannot see a wound, internal injuries are common after road trauma. A possum may sit quietly and appear calm while experiencing serious internal damage.
If the possum cannot climb or seems weak, this is always concerning.
Important!!! Young possums (joeys) do need intervention. They cannot survive on their own on the ground - they need help now. See numbers below.
Wild animals instinctively hide weakness. By the time a possum appears visibly unwell or exposed, it often requires vet assessment.
□ Every possum we treat receives free veterinary care
From cat attacks to internal injuries, our wildlife vet team treats possums and native animals across South Australia at no cost to the public. That care is only possible because of community donations.
Help Fund Free Wildlife Care TodayTax deductible · DGR registered charity · ABN 74 834 255 299
Do not feed the possum - speak to a rescue group first
It is natural to want to help by offering milk or food, but feeding a possum can make things worse. Possums are marsupials with specialised digestive systems. Cow’s milk and household foods are not suitable and can cause:
• Severe diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Digestive upset
• Worsening weakness
Injured wildlife are often in shock. When an animal is in shock:
• Swallowing reflexes can be reduced
• Gut movement slows
• The risk of choking increases
If fluids enter the lungs instead of the stomach, it can cause aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
For these reasons, do not feed anything to the sick animal until you have spoken with a rescue group. They can advise you if food or water is to be given. See below on who to call for advice.
• Severe diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Digestive upset
• Worsening weakness
Injured wildlife are often in shock. When an animal is in shock:
• Swallowing reflexes can be reduced
• Gut movement slows
• The risk of choking increases
If fluids enter the lungs instead of the stomach, it can cause aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
For these reasons, do not feed anything to the sick animal until you have spoken with a rescue group. They can advise you if food or water is to be given. See below on who to call for advice.
When to call and who to call?
If you are unsure, it is always appropriate to seek advice. It is better to check and be reassured than to leave an animal that genuinely needs help.
Who to call - any rescue group will be able to provide advice on what to do next.
Here in South Australia, the following groups can assist with possums
Fauna Rescue 08 8289 0896
SA Native Animal Rescue 08 7170 3924
SOWFI 08 7120 6610
Outside of SA - look up the name of rescue groups specific to your area. '
In NSW, call WIRES 1300 094 737.
In Victoria call 03 8400 7300.
In QLD, call RSPCA 1300 264 625
Who to call - any rescue group will be able to provide advice on what to do next.
Here in South Australia, the following groups can assist with possums
Fauna Rescue 08 8289 0896
SA Native Animal Rescue 08 7170 3924
SOWFI 08 7120 6610
Outside of SA - look up the name of rescue groups specific to your area. '
In NSW, call WIRES 1300 094 737.
In Victoria call 03 8400 7300.
In QLD, call RSPCA 1300 264 625
How you can help us help them
We are a dedicated wildlife veterinary clinic providing professional medical care to sick, injured and orphaned native animals including possums, birds, koalas, kangaroos and many others.
Every animal that comes through our doors is treated with compassion and clinical expertise. Our team provides:
• Thorough veterinary examinations
• Pain relief and stabilisation
• Diagnostic testing where needed
• Ongoing treatment and monitoring
• Close collaboration with licensed wildlife carers to support recovery and release
We are proud to receive government support, which helps ensure wildlife in our region has access to professional veterinary care.
However, caring for wildlife is complex and often intensive. Government funding supports essential services, but community donations are vital to help us continue improving the care we provide.
Donations allow us to:
• Upgrade and maintain life-saving equipment
• Invest in improved diagnostic tools
• Expand treatment and rehabilitation capacity
• Respond quickly when wildlife need urgent care
Every contribution directly impacts the quality of treatment we can offer and the number of animals we can help return to the wild.
If you care about Australia’s native wildlife and want to help ensure animals like possums receive the highest standard of veterinary care, we invite you to support our work.
Together, we can give injured wildlife the best possible chance.
Every animal that comes through our doors is treated with compassion and clinical expertise. Our team provides:
• Thorough veterinary examinations
• Pain relief and stabilisation
• Diagnostic testing where needed
• Ongoing treatment and monitoring
• Close collaboration with licensed wildlife carers to support recovery and release
We are proud to receive government support, which helps ensure wildlife in our region has access to professional veterinary care.
However, caring for wildlife is complex and often intensive. Government funding supports essential services, but community donations are vital to help us continue improving the care we provide.
Donations allow us to:
• Upgrade and maintain life-saving equipment
• Invest in improved diagnostic tools
• Expand treatment and rehabilitation capacity
• Respond quickly when wildlife need urgent care
Every contribution directly impacts the quality of treatment we can offer and the number of animals we can help return to the wild.
If you care about Australia’s native wildlife and want to help ensure animals like possums receive the highest standard of veterinary care, we invite you to support our work.
Together, we can give injured wildlife the best possible chance.