The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial found in North America, thriving in both rural and urban environments due to its adaptability. Opossums have a varied diet, which sometimes brings them into contact with the subterranean mole. Moles are insectivorous mammals that spend almost their entire lives beneath the soil, making them inaccessible to most surface predators. Whether an opossum preys upon a mole depends entirely on the opossum’s opportunistic nature and the mole’s occasional exposure above ground.
The Broad Diet of the Opossum
The opossum is classified as a generalist omnivore, meaning its feeding habits are diverse and dictated by readily available food sources. This adaptability allows them to thrive in numerous habitats, utilizing everything from forest floors to residential backyards for foraging. Their diet incorporates a wide range of items, including plant material like fruits, grains, and nuts, along with animal matter such as insects, snails, slugs, and carrion.
Opossums are efficient scavengers, consuming carrion which provides a reliable source of protein and calcium. They also actively hunt small vertebrates, including mice, rats, frogs, and snakes. This broad and non-selective diet sets the stage for potential interactions with almost any creature they encounter.
Are Moles Part of the Opossum’s Menu?
Opossums will consume moles, although moles do not represent a consistent or primary food source in their diet. Their consumption is a clear example of opportunistic feeding rather than dedicated hunting behavior. If a mole is encountered on the surface, or if a foraging opossum uncovers a mole near the surface, the mole may be quickly dispatched and eaten.
Moles are occasionally listed as supplementary prey, similar to voles and shrews. The opossum will not typically expend the energy required to dig out a mole from a deep tunnel system. Instead, the mole must be available above ground or in a very shallow, compromised location for the opossum to consider it a worthwhile meal. This reliance on accessibility defines the predatory relationship.
Understanding Mole Habitat and Exposure
Moles are highly specialized insectivores whose existence centers on their extensive network of underground tunnels. They spend up to 90% of their time below the surface, foraging for earthworms, grubs, and other invertebrates. This subterranean lifestyle offers them significant protection from most surface-dwelling predators, including the opossum.
A mole only becomes vulnerable when circumstances force it to leave the safety of its tunnels and venture above ground. This can occur during heavy rainfall that floods the tunnels, forcing the mole to the surface to breathe. Vulnerability also increases when young moles disperse to establish territories, or if a sick or injured mole cannot maintain its tunnel system. When these rare events occur, the mole becomes an easy target for any opportunistic surface forager, such as the opossum, raccoon, or skunk.