In December, just a few days before Christmas, her dog suddenly started barking loudly at the living room curtain.
Following her dog's gaze, she spotted a small, furry creature curled up on the curtain rail.
A furry intruder
At first, Ayesha thought it might be a rat. But when she took a closer look, she realised it wasn't a rat at all, but a possum.
Possums are marsupials native to Australia and usually live high up in trees. However, some have adapted to urban life and occasionally find their way into homes. Ayesha decided to name the little visitor Mistletoe, a fitting choice for the festive season.
Calling in the experts
Knowing she would need help to safely remove Mistletoe, Ayesha called The Wildlife Rescuers. Wildlife rescuer and carer Meaghan Scott arrived promptly. The weather in Australia had been particularly hot over the previous few days, so the possum was likely seeking a cooler spot.
The rescuer immediately set up a large ladder to reach the animal. The two women managed to safely guide Mistletoe into a carrier, making sure the little female was as comfortable as possible.
Once Mistletoe arrived at the wildlife care centre, she was examined straight away. The team found she was dehydrated, had a small claw injury, and was suffering from digestive issues.
After two days of rehydration and veterinary care, she was feeling much better. Her appetite and energy had returned. The rescuers released Mistletoe back into a tree – a much more comfortable home than a curtain rail!
