The basic colour of this possum is grey with black around the snout. The distinctive tail, shaped like a long brush, is black and bushy. An adult can weigh more than 2 kilos. Brushtails are about 54cm long, excluding the tail which varies in length from 24-40cms long. They are solitary, nocturnal animals who sleep in the hollows of large gum trees during the day. Sometimes they take up residence inside garages and in roof cavities Many home owners place possum boxes in trees to provide homes for these lovely creatures. Their natural diet is leaves, native blossoms and fruit. However, being opportunistic feeders, they have adapted well to suburban life eating food scraps and enjoying fruit that is offered by friendly home owners. Brushtails have a single baby which is initially carried in a pouch. Then it is carried on the mother's back.