Possum

I know possums are considered a pest in NZ but Georgina and I got quite excited when we saw this one this evening because we've never seen a live one in the wild before. It was getting pretty dark by the time we were finishing walking Tilly around Hamilton Lake when we spotted a silhouette moving around in a tree. Initially we were unsure whether it was a cat or a possum. I used auto on my camera for this photo, which I haven't used for months, but I didn't want to mess up the shot and I knew I'd need the flash as it was so dark.

Sorry I haven't had a chance to comment for a couple of days. I hope to catch up later in the week. Thank you to everyone who has been commenting on and fav'ing my photos.

[Debbie]

Same in Australia Nick. I would be just about wet my pants in excitement if I was to see one. So it's a definite FAV for me.

[David M]

Pests indeed. We have them in our roof and they're noisy little guys when they come out to play at night. Great capture.

[julia]

Great shot of polly possum. They are a real pest to us farmers. As they are carriers of TB. But good the populationIis on the decline.

[Bill]

Really well captured. The possum looks cute but understand the concern about them being 'pests.'

[Angela]

That's amazing. How wonderful to see one. I wonder if he's self conscious about his ears!

[Donna]

I'm the same don't see often so get excited when they're alive and not the usual road kill!

[bkb in the city]

Great catch

[Rick]

Wow, nothing like the Fla possums. Yours are actually cute. These here just look like giant rats. Great shot..

[Jane winfrey]

Cool night shot :)

[Nitrogene]

Hahaha, priceless expression of surprise :) Nice shot!

[Nick]

@deborah63 @alextheseal @northernlad @ditzy @hop2it @bkbinthecity @rickster549 @janewinfrey @nitrogene Thanks - this was a lucky shot because I could hardly see him and just put the camera on auto.
@julzmaioro Thanks Julia. I didn't realise they were on the decline - a good thing for NZ.