Just now I saw a possum. And neither one of us were terribly startled this time.
In fact, after I made my hiss-noise to back it away from the darkened porch, we just looked at each other, he/she knew I wasn't a real threat & it started to walk toward me again....
No... nope... I know I have a vibe (I guess ) where people feel they can tell me anything, and that animals can trust me, but we can't have possums feeling too comfy with me... I can't feel comfy.... However, with encouraging words, I got it to head on down the sidewalk & safely across the street (listening for potential cars beforehand, didn't want it in danger).... it got over to the neighbor's yard & then under their much more lush & inviting porch.