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The Common Brushtail Possum is a native Australian marsupial, the second-largest of the Phalangeriformes suborder that includes gliders, cuscus and other animals known under the 'possum' moniker. It is also commonly seen in New Zealand, having been introduced there by European settlers in the 1850s. Its titular bushy tail is perhaps its defining feature, with its similarly thick fur varying in color throughout its subspecies from silver-grey, brown, black, red, or cream. All these types also possess a scent gland on the chest area which notably stains the fur surrounding it a reddish color; the secretions from this gland are what it uses to mark its territory.

The common brushtail possum is perhaps Australia's most widespread marsupial, found throughout the continent's north, east and parts of its west, along with Tasmania and several offshore islands such as Kangaroo Island. It is also the marsupial most often seen by city dwellers, having adapted to living and foraging in human and human-modified environments; those with fruit trees or vegetable gardens should expect impromptu visits from these animals... or failing that, a carelessly-ajar kitchen window. While primarily a folivore (leaf-eater) with a preference for Eucalyptus, it also eats flowers, fruits, seeds, shoots, and small animal matter such as insects, eggs/chicks and other small vertebrates.

Although it is not endangered, and its regional habitat loss is tempered by its adaptation to human presence, the common brushtail possum is protected in all Australian states except Tasmania. It was previously hunted extensively for its fur, then considered valuable. Although hunting them outright is now illegal, trapping them is still permitted for the purpose of evicting them from human residences (except in South Australia, where a permit is required to do so). The situation is starkly different in New Zealand, where they have no natural predators besides humans and cats, and they are considered an agricultural and conservational pest. Their numbers there are controlled and kept stable through hunting and airdropping of poisonous bait.

In Kemono Friends, Common Brushtail Possum has to date only appeared in the Nexon mobile game as a minor character and a member of the Apron Lovers' Club. In it, she was an avid cook specializing in fruits, with a dream of having her own restaurant.