Golden brushtail in Glebe?

[JuliaH]

Last night I was awoken by a brushtail in the trees outside my window in Glebe, Sydney. It was enjoying the fruits of a Crepe Myrtle tree and flowers/buds of the adjacent Tibouchina. Although it was dark without much moonlight, the possum was only a metre or so away from me and I had a good view of it. I have seen many brushies before but was struck by the very light colour of this one. Looking on the internet this morning I found pictures of the Golden Brushtail Possum, which looked exactly like the possum I saw. I have read that this is a very rare type of possum, so is it possible that this is what I saw? What are alternative explanations?

 

[Steve Robinson]

Last night I was awoken by a brushtail in the trees outside my window in Glebe, Sydney. It was enjoying the fruits of a Crepe Myrtle tree and flowers/buds of the adjacent Tibouchina. Although it was dark without much moonlight, the possum was only a metre or so away from me and I had a good view of it. I have seen many brushies before but was struck by the very light colour of this one. Looking on the internet this morning I found pictures of the Golden Brushtail Possum, which looked exactly like the possum I saw. I have read that this is a very rare type of possum, so is it possible that this is what I saw? What are alternative explanations?

Could have been an albino Common Brushtail - not all that uncommon.