Possums are common nocturnal animals that often visit residential areas, prompting questions about their habits and interactions with human environments. These adaptable marsupials frequently forage in backyards, leading many to wonder what they consume, particularly concerning garden produce like oranges. Understanding their dietary preferences and behaviors can help people coexist with these creatures.
Do Possums Eat Oranges?
Possums are opportunistic omnivores. Yes, possums do eat oranges, along with other citrus fruits like lemons and tangerines. While oranges are not necessarily their first choice, possums are known to eat ripe, fallen fruit from the ground or sometimes directly from the tree. Possums may eat fruits like oranges, but they prefer sweeter options such as berries, grapes, and melons. If oranges are readily available in a backyard or grove, these animals are more likely to include them in their diet.
Nutritional Impact of Oranges
While possums can consume oranges, these fruits are not a complete food source and can pose health risks if eaten in large quantities. Oranges contain sugars and citric acid, which, in excess, can lead to digestive upset and dental issues. Their bodies are naturally adapted to a diverse diet, and relying heavily on any single food item can disrupt their balanced nutritional needs.
Feeding oranges or other human foods to possums is not recommended. This can lead to dependence on humans and an imbalanced diet, resulting in health problems like obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Possums naturally acquire the necessary nutrients from a variety of sources in their environment.
What Else Possums Eat
Possums have a very diverse, omnivorous diet. Their natural diet primarily includes insects like crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers. They also consume small vertebrates such as rodents, birds, and frogs, as well as eggs.
Beyond animal matter, possums eat a variety of plant-based foods, including nuts, berries, leaves, and various garden vegetables. Carrion, or dead animals, is another common and important food source, providing essential protein. This broad diet allows them to thrive in various environments, from woodlands to urban settings.
Deterring Possums from Orange Trees
For those looking to protect their orange trees, several humane methods can deter possums without causing harm. Promptly picking up any fallen fruit from under trees reduces a significant food attractant. Securing trash cans and keeping pet food indoors also minimizes accessible food sources, making the area less appealing to possums.
Physical barriers are highly effective; covering trees with netting can prevent possums from reaching the fruit, ensuring the netting is taut and extends above the tree. For smaller plants or individual branches, mesh bags can be slipped over the fruit. Installing a fence at least six feet tall around the garden and burying it slightly can also create a barrier. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle possums and encourage them to leave an area. Additionally, removing hiding spots like dense bushes or leaf piles can make a yard less attractive for them to reside in.