Possums, North America’s only native marsupials, are fascinating creatures known for their adaptability and unique characteristics. These nocturnal animals are omnivores, which allows them to thrive in various habitats. Their flexible diet is a testament to their survival skills, enabling them to find sustenance in diverse environments.
The Natural Diet of Possums
In their natural woodland habitats, possums have a diverse and opportunistic diet. Insects constitute a significant portion of their diet, including beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and cockroaches. They are also known to eat slugs and snails, contributing to natural pest control. Beyond insects, possums hunt and consume small vertebrates such as mice, rats, voles, frogs, and birds, including their eggs. They are even known to prey on snakes, displaying a natural resistance to some snake venoms.
Carrion, or dead animals, is another important part of their natural diet, providing a significant source of protein and calcium. Plant matter also plays a substantial role, with possums eating fruits, berries, and nuts when available. During times when other food sources are scarce, they will also forage for leaves, grasses, and other vegetation. This broad foraging strategy ensures they can find food year-round, adjusting their intake based on seasonal availability.
Adapting to Human Environments
Possums’ natural scavenging habits extend readily into human-populated areas. As urban and suburban environments expand, possums frequently encounter new food sources, which they readily incorporate into their diets. These include fallen fruits and vegetables from gardens. They are particularly fond of orchard fruits like apples and berries.
Another common food source in residential areas is pet food left outdoors. Garbage cans and compost bins also become targets, as possums, with their keen sense of smell, can detect discarded food scraps. This opportunistic feeding allows them to thrive alongside humans, but it often leads them to consume items that are not ideal for their health.
Foods to Avoid for Possums
Many human foods can be detrimental to their health, even if they consume them willingly. Chocolate and caffeine contain compounds toxic to possums, potentially leading to increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures. Onions, garlic, and chives contain compounds that can cause digestive problems and damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Processed foods, including bread, sugary snacks, and anything high in salt or artificial ingredients, offer little nutritional value and can cause significant health issues. These items can lead to obesity, dental problems, nutritional imbalances, and digestive upset because a possum’s digestive system is not designed for such highly processed fare. Dairy products should also be avoided as possums are lactose intolerant, and their consumption can result in digestive discomfort, diarrhea, and dehydration. Grapes and raisins are also considered unsafe due to their potential to cause kidney failure in various animals, making it prudent to avoid offering them to possums.
Keeping Possums Away from Unwanted Food
To prevent possums from accessing unwanted food sources, several measures can be implemented:
Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords to prevent overturning or opening.
Store garbage indoors in a shed or garage to reduce accessibility.
Feed pets indoors or bring pet food dishes inside at night to remove a food source.
If you have fruit trees, promptly harvest ripe produce and clear any fallen fruit from the ground.
Ensure compost bins are securely covered and inaccessible.
These actions manage possum presence by eliminating food incentives.