Leith woman gets scare after POSSUM jumps into her pocket
It stayed there for 40 minutes
A Leith woman got a bit of a shock earlier this week, after a POSSUM jumped into her pocket as she made her way home.
She was in her stairwell on Monday (30th May) when the animal ran up her back and climbed into her cardigan, and it stayed there for around 40 minutes while she waited for the Scottish SPCA to arrive.
Officers at the charity believe it may have been on the loose on Leith Walk when it decided to follow her.
The creature's now in the care of the charity's animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno.
It's a type of possum known as a "sugar glider" - and it's thought it may be an escaped pet.
Animal Rescue Officer Steph Grant said: "The lady initially thought it was a chipmunk.
"It's pretty feisty and the poor woman understandably got a bit of a fright.
"This may be the first sugar glider we've rescued and it's certainly a new one for me.
"These animals are native to Australia but some people do keep them as pets in the UK and you don't need a license to do so, although they do have specialist care requirements as with all exotic pets.
"This sugar glider is in very good condition although it's still rather skittish and very shy.
"We are appealing to the owner to get in touch with us as we think someone may be missing their pet.
"If no-one comes forward we will be looking for someone with the knowledge and experience to care for this sugar glider."