Evening star., 1945-12-18
This and That
BIZ Charles E. TrdceUeH.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.
Dear sir:
"We have large problem-a possum
He usurped one of our squirrel boxes
this summer. We noticed the birds
gathered around, making a big fuss
but did not discover the cause for some
time.
He is not cute or desirable as a source
of amusement but we hate TO kill him
unless he Is actually destructive Of adult
birds and squirrels.
1--WE seem to have fewer squirrels than
formerly. In fact, all of our last years
pets have completely disappeared. We
have some of this years babies from
mothers who had the boxes last year
but the mothers are gone. Could the
possum have anything to do with it?
1--WE have chickens. Is it proven that
possums can catch grown chickens, as
some people say?
IF he is as undesirable as he is un-
welcome, will you kindly suggest a
humane way of killing him?
I'VE were interested in the letter the
other evening telling of some one trying
to outwit the squirrels We are always
trying something new on them. If they
win, we get big laugh out of it. We
feed them all of the time but try to
invent feeders exclusively for the birds.
Il think we have gained a little on
the squirrels. We followed the sug-
gestion seen in your column, of trying
peanuts ON a line. We use my wire
clotheslines. Only one squirrel learned
to run them last year and just one of
her babies this year. Is there such q
difference in their intelligence or does
it mean that this one has staked out
rights? We get a lot Of enjoyment
from the little devils. Too bad every
one cannot realize how clever and cute
they are.
I'VE enjoy your column very much.
Yours truly, C. T."
The opossum is the only marsupial
native to North America.
This gives him a preferred status in
the regard of the nature lover.
The possum is destructive of the eggs
and young of ground nesting birds, but
probably manages to kill few older birds
This does not mean, however, that his
presence will not tend to frighten away
both song birds and squirrels.
We feel, though, that possum in the
yard would be such rare treat that
the owner might well put up with him.
There are always birds, and as soor
as this opossum leaves, or dies, the
birds will all come back again. In the
meantime, the observer has some rare
material.
The possum likes corn on the cob
young chickens, mice, moles and young
rabbits.
In the fall he fattens on persimmons
1t is not often that he will catch q
grown chicken.
Except as noted, the possum is not
an undesirable guest. He Is, in his way
and despite his naked tail-a beauti.
full animal.
His crinkled ears, especially, are in.
triguing. The paws are really hands
marvellous in their adaptability.
- The eyes, if one gets close enough tx
get good look at them, are truly deer
and appealing.
And then the external pouch, in the
mother, is rare thing.
Most of the pouched marsupials live ir
Australia.
From six to a dozen young are bona
and live from six to eight weeks in thi.
pouch, never coming out.
Each baby possum, at birth, Is sale
to weigh between 18 and Is grains
Think Of that. Each baby is but one.
half inch long.
The babies leave the pouch at frs
only to ride on the back of the mother
hanging to her curved tail by theil
own tails, their forepaws touching he
back.
After leaving the pouch, they return
to it for few more weeks.
Most of the opossums which seel
refuge In suburban yards are old, ant
are merely trying to find q safe home
We believe that one should put III
with such specimens, for this reason l
for no other. but take care that yount
chickens are kept out Of their way
| especially at night