Opossums are the sole marsupials native to North America, recognized for their remarkable adaptability and omnivorous feeding habits. Their flexible diet allows them to thrive in diverse environments across the continent, playing a role in various ecosystems.
Natural Diet
Opossums naturally consume a wide array of food sources in their wild habitats. Insects form a substantial part of their diet, including beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, slugs, and snails. They also hunt and eat small vertebrates such as mice, rats, birds, eggs, frogs, and even small snakes, exhibiting a resistance to certain snake venoms. Beyond animal matter, opossums forage for various plant-based foods like berries, apples, persimmons, nuts, seeds, and other plant materials. Their consumption of insects, rodents, and ticks positions them as natural pest controllers, benefiting ecosystems.
Opportunistic and Scavenging Habits
Opossums are highly opportunistic foragers, readily adapting their diet in environments influenced by human presence. They commonly scavenge for carrion, such as roadkill, which provides a significant source of protein and calcium. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate these food sources, even with poor eyesight. This scavenging behavior helps clean up organic waste.
In urban and suburban areas, opossums frequently access human-related food sources like pet food left outdoors, discarded human food from garbage cans, and garden produce. This ability to utilize diverse, readily available food allows them to thrive in human-altered landscapes.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods should not be given to opossums, as they can cause significant health problems. Processed human foods, often high in fats, sugars, and salts, lack balanced nutrition and can lead to obesity, dental issues, and digestive upset. Sugary items, including chocolate, contain toxic substances like theobromine that can cause severe health issues, including heart problems and neurological symptoms.
Dairy products are also harmful, as opossums are largely lactose intolerant, leading to digestive discomfort and diarrhea. Foods such as onions, garlic, and chives contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Bread offers minimal nutritional value and can contribute to nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems. Grapes, raisins, and avocado are toxic and can result in kidney failure or respiratory issues. Providing these foods can compromise an opossum’s health and hinder their natural foraging abilities.