Here's another Possum story. Self explanatory really. The Dad of the story is the rogue that comes and pesters me usually at the most crucial moment when imaging.
I can't say I know a great deal about the details of New World fauna Thomas, but don't you guys have opossums? According to the little I know, opossums are also marsupials but bare no resemblence to Australian possums. The word possum is a *******isation of your word opossum, coming from what early Australian settlers thought our possums looked most like. Apart from the fact that they don't bounce like 'Roos, our possums are virtually a miniature kangaroos. They have very similar movements and characteristics.
Blame it on the Cook! Captain Cook that is.
According to a forgotten reference:
When Capt J. Cook and Mr. J. Banks sighted the Australian Possums, they named them possums. Leaving the 'o' off to distinguish them from the North American O'Possum.
Thanks for the photo compliment Dave, but the real star is Katrina who, like you've suggested, has gained their confidence. I think sometimes that they are merely hungry little performers who'll happily tolerate some attention and a feed. I will say though, I had to lift the big male off my store of balsa wood. To reduce the risk of him putting anymore claw holes in it, I just lifted him off, no gloves, no shirt. He wasn't comfortable with it but he didn't scratch me either. We quite enjoy their company no matter what the Kiwis think of them.
I know what you mean, but I've never met one I didn't like. Then again, I've only ever used BBQ Sauce. Might not be as good with Mustard Sauce. I'll have to get back to you on that.
Heheh, there's a long history of Aussies and Kiwis taking the mickey out of each other, although I've noticed in recent years (here in NZ) that it's becoming unfashionable to make fun of Australians. I think it's the whole 'political correctness' thing taking over.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on which way you want to look at it, I don't have a politically correct bone in my body. Diplomatic yes, but not PC.