Possum damage

NZ has some major problems with introduced mammals. One of these is the possum (sorry to you Aussies, but we don't protect them here). You can see the damage these critters do to our native trees - they especially like pohutukawa trees. This tree was nearly stripped bare and was struggling to make headway.

[Babs]

The possums are very naughty aren't they.

[Lou Ann]

Awww. I sure don’t know the solution to that problem. If you introduced whatever animal is the possum’s natural enemy I’m sure there would be issues with them.

[Issi Bannerman]

Oh dear. Nicely documented.

[carol white]

Nicely focused, rather like the pesky slugs and snails we have, destroying garden plants

[Chris K]

what a mess. I love our Aussie possums and have raised one from a tiny baby but I have done my bit to help NZ by buying some lovely possum and merino scarves when I was there

[julia]

They certainly make a mess of the trees in a short time.

[haskar]

Human pride and the laws of nature.

[Pat Knowles]

Can possums climb? Your NZ Christmas tree is so beautiful it's such a shame to see this damage! Talking of pests our daughter has had two of her three hens killed by a fox last night.

[Karly]

Wow - that is a lot of damage - I thought it was a holly plant at first.

[Maggiemae]

Now everyone knows why we aren't worried about possum road kill!

[Pyrrhula]

I do n`t now possums but we`ve rabbits that eaten(kills) trees. We surround them with iron gause to protect them. For insects plastic nets whole over.

[Tony]

Some creative Kiwis have put their fur to good use. I picked up a merino and possum fir cap.

[KWind]

Oh no... too bad about the damage. Nicely focused shot with great dof.

[Rachel]

I remember my Mum had a recipe for possum in NZ :) Destructive little things.

[Delwyn Barnett]

A good image to show how destructive these pests are.

[Marnie]

I'm not in favour of blanket protection of the darned things here either. OK in the bush, but not in settled areas. On the other hand your excellent Kiwi policy does let me buy some wonderful beanies, rugs etc that can't be obtained this side of the ditch.

[Jenfurj]

Yes, can be a pest here too, but definitely doing lots of damage in NZ. From reading the posts I think I need to invest in some possum and merino wool products.

[Dione Giorgio]

Wonderful shot. Great dof.