So a few trips out to the field behind their pen with headlamp on to see if the pet sheep or new lamb were teasing them through the wire (as they do- just for fun) or if a foreign cat was doing the rounds. Nothing to be seen, but each time I came back into the house 10 minutes later they would start up again. Now, on a still night the barking of two large dogs can be annoying for neighbours, so what ever was worrying them had to be found and a cure put in place.
With both dogs locked away I took up station where they had been standing looking into the field, stood quietly for a few minutes in the dark and quietly switched on the head lamp. Sure enough a red eye reflection bounced back to me from the middle of a large plum tree behind the dog's pen.
Back inside, unlock the cabinet and gather up the Brno .22lr Model 1, back out to the tree and one sub-sonic 37 grain pill later...... tying material you do not have to travel to gather!
This is a "dark brown" colouring of the Australian brush tailed possum. More common is the silver/grey colouration.
The underside of both is usually a cream/amber/tan kind of colouring.
Formidable claws help with climbing and holding in trees, but can rip through skin very easily if needs must.
Face shot.
A couple of shots showing length and density of fur. First is the tail.
Middle of back.
A bit morbid I know, but I thought some of you might be interested to see what the wee beastie looks like complete and not just a bit of fluff in a plastic bag or a pelt patch.
It's good for us city slickers to get our hands dirty vicariouisly.
Plenty available here if you would like some.
Half the carcass each.