A member of the public took a limping rare golden brushtail possum in Australia to a vet. X-rays found no fractures; WIRES said he appeared to have soft-tissue damage. After overnight monitoring and days of care, he was released into a possum box at the find site.
The finder wrapped him in a soft towel and took him for examination and imaging. WIRES volunteer James cared for him during recovery, and the rescue group said the possum box at the release site had been installed to help keep him safe.
WIRES says golden brushtail possums are a rare color variation linked to a genetic mutation associated with lower melanin. The group says their bright coloring can make them easier for predators to spot and harder to hide in the wild.
