Her Dog Was Barking At Her Curtain Rod — Then She Realized Why

Title: Unlikely Guest: A possum finds shelter in Melbourne home

In the heart of Melbourne, a curious discovery led to an urban wildlife rescue tale that’s equal parts surprising and heartwarming. Ayesha, a Melbourne resident, initially mistook a small, furry intruder for a rat scurrying across her floor. However, when she spotted the animal huddled atop her curtain rod a few days later, she realized it was no rodent but a diminutive possum.

Little did Ayesha know, this peculiar possum had taken refuge in her home after getting spooked and climbing up the curtain for safety. Meaghan Scott, a wildlife rescuer from The Wildlife Rescuers, arrived at the scene to help. The possum, subsequently named Mistletoe for her fortuitous Christmas Eve encounter, had entered through Ayesha’s chimney, seeking a cooler environment during the recent heatwave.

Scott, despite her fear of heights, climbed a tall ladder to reach Mistletoe. Working together, Scott and Ayesha gently secured the possum in a carrier, ensuring her comfort throughout the process.

Upon arriving at the wildlife care facility, Scott performed a full health assessment on Mistletoe. The possum was found to be dehydrated, with a minor nail injury and some digestive issues. However, after just two days of rehydration and veterinary treatment, Mistletoe bounced back, regaining her appetite and feistiness.

Releasing Mistletoe back into the wild, Scott watched as the possum dashed up a nearby tree, visibly eager to return to her natural habitat. This unexpected visit serves as a reminder that urban wildlife can sometimes find themselves in unusual situations, needing our help and understanding.

To support local wildlife rescues like The Wildlife Rescuers, consider making a donation here.