In New Zealand, farmers are facing a threat from a pest that could cost them some $5 billion over the next decade if not properly controlled. And just what is this varmint? Well, believe it or not, it’s the possum. While not native to the land, possums were brought into New Zealand from Australia for their fur. But with a lack of natural predators, their numbers have swelled to some 70 million of these critters, and they are now scampering about devouring up to 7 million tons of vegetation each year. Fortunately there is a pesticide to control the possum numbers, and environmental officials have approved its use. So it now appears New Zealanders are not willing to lay down and play possum when confronting this new eco-threat.