Possums are adaptable marsupials found in various habitats, including urban and suburban areas. These nocturnal creatures have a varied and opportunistic diet. Understanding what possums naturally eat, and what foods are harmful, is crucial for peaceful coexistence.
The Possum’s Plate: A Diverse Diet
Possums are omnivores and scavengers, consuming a wide array of food sources. Their natural diet includes plant matter and small animal prey. They forage for fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, leaves, grasses, roots, and flowers, adjusting intake based on seasonal availability.
Insects form a substantial part of their diet, including beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, grubs, snails, slugs, and worms. They also prey on small vertebrates such as mice, rats, voles, birds and their eggs, frogs, lizards, and snakes. Possums exhibit resistance to certain snake venoms, allowing them to prey on these reptiles.
Possums act as nature’s clean-up crew by consuming carrion like roadkill. This scavenging is significant, especially when other food sources are scarce. In human-dominated areas, they forage for fallen fruit, garden vegetables, discarded food scraps, and pet food left outdoors.
Foods to Avoid: Keeping Possums Healthy
While possums are not picky eaters, many human foods are detrimental to their health. Junk food, including candy, chocolate, processed items, fried foods, and sugary drinks, lack nutrients and can lead to obesity, dental problems, and metabolic issues. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to possums and can cause heart, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal problems.
Dairy products should be avoided, as possums are lactose intolerant and consuming milk, cheese, or yogurt can lead to digestive upset and diarrhea. Avocado is harmful because it contains persin, a toxin found in the fruit, pit, skin, leaves, and branches, which can cause respiratory and cardiac problems. Onions and garlic contain compounds that damage red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia, weakness, and lethargy.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Large quantities of commercial pet food, especially cat food, are often too high in protein and phosphorus for possums. An unbalanced diet in calcium and phosphorus can lead to metabolic bone disease and other nutritional deficiencies. To protect possums, avoid intentionally feeding them and secure trash cans and pet food to prevent unintended consumption.
Diet and Behavior: What Their Eating Habits Mean
The diverse diet of possums influences their role within ecosystems and interactions with human populations. Possums contribute as natural pest controllers, consuming insects, slugs, and rodents. Their scavenging habits are important in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. Some species may contribute to seed dispersal by consuming fruits, though their effectiveness compared to birds can vary.
Possums are nocturnal, their foraging habits suited to finding food in darkness. Despite poor eyesight, their keen sense of smell and hearing allows them to locate food efficiently. Easy access to human food sources like garbage and pet food can lead to possums becoming accustomed to human presence. This can increase human-wildlife conflicts, altering their natural foraging behaviors. Consuming an unnatural diet can lead to malnutrition and other health problems, making them more vulnerable.