Possums are usually solitary, but in rare cases, two to eight may share a den for warmth or shelter during harsh weather.
So, how many possums live together? The short answer is not many, these marsupials prefer flying solo, with the occasional exception when survival calls for a roommate. While you might picture a noisy colony in your attic, the reality is far quieter, and that makes a big difference for how homeowners should handle them.
Possums are mostly loners, yet they’ll break the rules when conditions get tough, like during harsh winters or when food and shelter are scarce.
That means spotting a group in your shed or crawlspace doesn’t always spell an infestation, but it does require attention. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we’ve seen it all, from single wanderers to small groups huddled together, and understanding the “why” behind their behavior is the key to managing them safely.
Myth-Busting: Possums—Lone Wolves or Shy Roommates?
Possums have a reputation as drifters, and for the most part, that’s true. They’re solitary by nature, with males staking out their own territories and females tending to their young until they’re old enough to venture out.
This independence is one of the reasons you usually won’t see possums traveling in groups like raccoons or squirrels. Still, possums aren’t completely opposed to sharing space when it’s convenient.
Cold snaps, safe shelters, or the simple need for survival can bring a handful together. Instead of a bustling colony, think of it as temporary couch-surfing, where two to eight possums might hole up in a den for warmth or protection, then go back to their lone routines once conditions improve.
The Exceptional Case: When Possums Actually Live Together
While most possums are perfectly content on their own, researchers have documented surprising moments of communal living. In some studies, scientists observed dens shared by more than a dozen possums, ranging from adults to juveniles, all coexisting without fights.
These rare findings show that possums have more social flexibility than many people give them credit for. The reasons usually come down to survival and convenience.
When food is scarce, temperatures drop, or suitable dens are limited, possums may tolerate each other’s presence. Instead of constant companionship, think of it as a truce, a practical decision to share resources until conditions improve, then scatter back into solitary routines once the pressure eases.
What This Means for Homeowners?
For homeowners, the idea of multiple possums sharing space can sound alarming, but it doesn’t always mean your property is overrun. In most cases, a shared den is a temporary arrangement driven by weather or limited shelter options.
Still, even a small group can create noise, leave droppings, and cause damage if they’ve made their way into your attic, crawlspace, or shed. This is where AAAC Wildlife Removal steps in.
Our team knows how to distinguish between a lone wanderer and a rare communal den, which helps us decide the safest and most humane solution. Instead of guesswork, we rely on experience, inspections, and proven exclusion techniques to keep your home secure while respecting the natural behavior of these misunderstood animals.
Quick How-To: Spotting Shared Dens & Responding Smartly
Shared possum dens leave clues that go beyond the signs of a single visitor. You might notice multiple sets of tracks, more frequent scratching noises, or a nest stuffed with extra leaves and debris.
Larger amounts of droppings in one spot can also suggest that more than one possum has been calling the space home. Signs of a shared possum den include:
- Multiple paw prints leading to or from the same entry point
- Louder or more frequent noises at night, suggesting more than one animal moving around
- Heavily packed nests made of leaves, grass, or insulation
- Larger piles of droppings concentrated in one location
If you suspect several possums are sharing your property, the first step is not to panic. Sealing off entry points without checking could trap them inside, leading to damage and stress for the animals.
Instead, call in AAAC Wildlife Removal for a professional inspection, or take simple precautions like securing trash bins and trimming vegetation near entry points until help arrives.
Possums Prefer Privacy, With a Few Exceptions
Most possums aren’t interested in forming big families or building colonies. They’re quiet loners that only break their own rules when conditions demand it; like harsh weather, scarce shelter, or short-term survival needs.
For homeowners, this means spotting more than one possum together is unusual, but not impossible. The good news is you don’t need to handle it alone.
AAAC Wildlife Removal understands the quirks of possum behavior and uses safe, humane methods to keep them from turning your home into their shelter. So while possums might occasionally crash together like reluctant roommates, your attic or crawlspace doesn’t need to be part of the deal.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal Today!
If you’ve noticed signs of possums around your property, don’t wait until they’ve made themselves too comfortable. Our trained specialists know how to identify shared dens, remove possums safely, and seal up entry points so they don’t come back.
We handle the dirty work, so you can get back to enjoying your home without unwanted wildlife roommates. Reach out to AAAC Wildlife Removal today for a thorough inspection and a humane solution. Whether it’s one possum or a surprise group, we’ll make sure your home stays secure, clean, and stress-free.