An itchy possum recently shocked local wildlife carers when she gave them not one but two “extremely rare” surprises.
Shazza, the short-eared brushtail possum, was brought into the RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Eumundi suffering from dermatitis.
During Shazza’s initial assessment, the team discovered she had a pinky, which is a very young joey who has not yet grown fur or left the pouch.
Senior wildlife vet nurse Vicky Toomey said as time went by her pouch began to grow bigger and bigger.
At a vet check-up shortly after, not one but two tails were found protruding from Shazza’s pouch: a twin boy and girl.
Ms Toomey said twins were extremely rare for brushtail possums.
“Shazza presented with facial dermatitis on the right side of her face, with her gum line and teeth exposed,” she said.
“Shazza was a strong and healthy female otherwise.
“I have never encountered twins before in brushtail possums in the 20 years I have worked with wildlife.
“One other possum coordinator has seen it once before, but it is very uncommon.
“I don’t think twins will be more of a chance for the joeys’ offspring, possibly just that mum was such a large healthy female, which allowed her to birth and raise two babies.”
She said the joeys were now between three-and-a-half and four months old, fine-furred and gaining weight.
“They are now a viable weight and size for raising, however will stay with mum unless her health declines.”
Once Shazza is clear of any signs of the disease, she and her joeys will be released back into the wild.
If you find sick, injured or orphaned wildlife call the RSPCA 24/7 emergency hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or phone the RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Eumundi on 07 5442 8057.
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