Opossums are unique marsupials native to North America, known for their nocturnal habits and highly generalist, omnivorous diet. This allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from wild forests to human-populated areas, by consuming a wide array of available food sources.
Possums’ Diverse Natural Diet
In their natural habitats, possums consume a wide variety of foods. Their diet includes a range of insects such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and cockroaches. Their diet also includes small vertebrates like mice, rats, voles, snakes, frogs, lizards, birds, and eggs from ground-nesting birds.
Carrion, or dead animals, is a significant component of their diet, highlighting their role as scavengers in the ecosystem. Possums readily consume plant matter, with fruits and berries being common choices, such as apples, persimmons, raspberries, and blackberries. They also eat nuts, seeds, grasses, leaves, and fungi, adapting their consumption seasonally based on what is available.
Opportunistic Foraging in Human Environments
Near human populations, possums adapt by incorporating human-associated food sources into their diet. They are frequently drawn to pet food, such as dog and cat food, often left outdoors overnight. Garbage and compost bins provide accessible sources of discarded food scraps and produce, which possums readily scavenge.
Garden produce, including fruits, vegetables, and berries grown in yards, also becomes a target. Birdseed from feeders and fallen fruit from trees are additional attractions. These readily available sources offer easy caloric intake.
Foods to Never Offer Possums
Never offer possums certain foods, as they can be detrimental to their health. Processed human foods, including sweets, fried foods, salty snacks, bread, and dairy products, offer little nutritional value and can cause health issues. Possums are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
Certain substances are toxic to possums, such as chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Onions, garlic, and chives contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Avocado is also considered toxic, and grapes and raisins can be harmful. Cooked bones should be avoided as they can splinter, causing internal injuries, broken teeth, or blockages. Feeding possums can create dependency and lead to health problems. Securing garbage cans and bringing pet food indoors at night are important preventative measures.