Possums living in the Greater Melbourne area have levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, often known as “forever chemicals”) in their livers high enough that their health may be affected, according to a new study. The findings raise questions about animals that occupy similar niches in other urban environments, and what may be in store for humans. The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.

Two Australian possum species have adapted well to urban living: brushtail ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) and ringtail ( Pseudocheirus peregrinus ) possums . Sometimes they’ve adapted rather too well, overpopulating areas and killing trees by feeding on their leaves. Nevertheless, they seldom have similar effects in their home ran

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