They adapt well to an urban lifestyle and can be spotted regularly moving around picnic areas, sports ovals and gardens around Katherine.

Possums eat almost anything and will gobble up an insect as quickly as they slurp up grevillea nectar or devour a soft, ripe fig.

They prefer to feed high in trees, but are happy to come down to ground level if that is where the tucker is.

Possums are adaptable when it comes to finding a home.

While a penthouse high in a hollow tree branch is ideal, a possum will also set up residence in a nice, warm roof space or shed.

Do not let the big brown eyes fool you – possums have impressive teeth and sharp claws that provide an effective defence system.

Possum scratches can quickly become infected, and they bite like demons.

They are best viewed from a respectful distance, and do not try to feed them or pick them up.   

Possums can live for up to 15 years and breed year-round.

If you combine an adaptable animal with a long lifespan, high fertility and lots of available food, you can unfortunately end up with a critter that can be pesky in an urban environment.

Northern brushtail possums are important pollinators and seed spreaders of native plants, however, they can be noisy and destructive house guests.

Possums are a protected species in the Northern Territory and should not be interfered with unless you have a permit.

If you have an unwelcome possum in the roof, call a pest control operator, who may be able to trap and remove the animal.

You should then block all entrances to the roof space and use scent deterrents, like naphthalene, to ensure they do not move back in.

Possums are territorial and will not tolerate new animals arriving in an area.

Possums are wonderful backyard buddies and with the installation of a few well-placed barriers in your roof, they can live happily alongside us, in our gardens, for many years.