The Tasmanian Brush-tail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula occurs widely all over Australia. The Tasmanian sub species fuliginosus is larger than its mainland cousins, growing up to 3.5k. The soft fur of the Tasmanian populations are thicker than mainland subspecies. Within Tasmania there are silver-grey, reddish brown and black colour phases and sometimes golden ones are born.

The grey animals tend to populate woodland and drier areas and the darker possums dwell in wetter, forested areas. Brush-tail Possums may form discrete populations about which little is known.

Clearing of native bush has benefited Brush-tail Possums, which thrive on the fringes of bush and pasture or crops and they have adapted to human settlement. Consequently they have been persecuted for the damage that they do to property or crops.

The inquisitive Brush-tail Possum may often be seen looking for food around camp sites, even getting into tents, but only when it thinks you aren't looking!