In reply to:

An opossum is a large marsupial that looks freakishly like a large albino rat. Possum is also the first person present indicative of posse 'to be able;


Up in this part of the world, possum also means a large marsupial, or, more accurately here in Zild, about 90 million large marsupials. Having actually eaten possum, I can advise against doing so, especially in Australia, where possums enjoy full protection under the law. They also don't taste very nice.