What do possums eat?
Quick Answer
Possums are omnivores that eat fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, and garbage; they're opportunistic feeders that adapt to available food sources. Their diet includes everything from berries and nuts to eggs, rodents, and human food waste.
Key Takeaways
- Possums are highly adaptable omnivores with varied diets
- Primary foods include fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals
- Diet changes seasonally based on food availability
- Urban possums adapt to eat human food waste and pet food
- They're beneficial for controlling pest populations
- Possums rarely hunt live prey, preferring scavenging
Natural Diet of Wild Possums
Virginia opossums (North America's only native marsupial) are opportunistic omnivores with diverse dietary preferences:
Fruits and Berries
Plant matter makes up a significant portion of their diet:
- Wild berries: Blackberries, elderberries, persimmons
- Tree fruits: Apples, pears, cherries, grapes
- Nuts and seeds: Acorns, walnuts, sunflower seeds
- Root vegetables: Wild tubers and bulbs
Animal Protein Sources
- Insects: Beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars
- Small mammals: Mice, rats, young rabbits (rarely)
- Birds: Eggs, nestlings, and occasionally adult birds
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and salamanders
- Carrion: Dead animals and roadkill
Seasonal Diet Variations
Possum diets change dramatically throughout the year:
Spring Diet
- Fresh green vegetation and shoots
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Emerging insects and larvae
- Early berries and fruits
Summer Diet
- Abundant fruits and berries
- High insect activity provides protein
- Small reptiles and amphibians
- Garden vegetables and crops
Fall Diet
- Nuts and seeds for winter preparation
- Late-season fruits like persimmons
- Increased foraging for high-energy foods
- Agricultural crops and fallen fruits
Winter Diet
- Stored nuts and persistent fruits
- Carrion and food caching
- Tree bark and woody vegetation
- Increased reliance on human food sources
Urban Possum Diet
City-dwelling possums adapt their diets to urban environments:
Human Food Sources
- Garbage: Food scraps and organic waste
- Pet food: Dog and cat food left outdoors
- Bird feeders: Seeds and suet
- Compost piles: Decomposing fruits and vegetables
- Garden produce: Vegetables, fruits, and herbs
Urban Wildlife
- City rodents and pest insects
- Urban bird eggs and nestlings
- Roadkill and deceased small animals
- Insects attracted to outdoor lighting
Feeding Behavior and Habits
Possums have unique feeding characteristics:
Foraging Patterns
- Nocturnal feeding: Most active at night
- Opportunistic scavenging: Take advantage of available food
- Ground foraging: Search leaf litter and undergrowth
- Tree climbing: Access fruits and bird nests
Hunting and Scavenging
- Poor hunters: Slow and not agile predators
- Scavenging preference: Dead or dying animals
- Insect catching: Patient hunting of ground insects
- Egg stealing: Raid bird and reptile nests
Beneficial Aspects of Possum Diet
Possums provide ecological benefits through their eating habits:
Pest Control
- Tick consumption: Can eat thousands of ticks per season
- Rodent control: Eat mice, rats, and their young
- Insect management: Consume many garden pests
- Snake control: Occasionally eat venomous snakes
Ecosystem Services
- Seed dispersal: Spread plant seeds through droppings
- Carrion cleanup: Remove dead animals from environment
- Disease prevention: Clean up potentially diseased carcasses
Foods Possums Avoid
Despite being omnivores, possums generally avoid certain foods:
- Large live prey: Too slow to catch healthy adult animals
- Toxic plants: Instinctively avoid poisonous vegetation
- Spicy foods: Capsaicin in hot peppers deters them
- Strongly scented foods: Onions, garlic, and similar items
Preventing Possum Problems
To discourage possums from your property:
- Secure garbage cans: Use tight-fitting lids
- Remove pet food: Don't leave food outside overnight
- Clear fallen fruit: Remove fruit drops from trees
- Block access: Seal entry points to sheds and homes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do possums eat cats or small dogs?
Possums rarely attack cats or dogs. They're not aggressive hunters and prefer to avoid confrontation. While they might scavenge deceased pets, they're unlikely to harm healthy adult cats or dogs.
Are possums good for gardens?
Possums can be both beneficial and problematic. They eat many garden pests like insects and rodents, but they also consume fruits, vegetables, and may damage plants while foraging.
What attracts possums to yards?
Food sources attract possums: garbage, pet food, bird feeders, fallen fruit, compost piles, and garden produce. Water sources and shelter like sheds or brush piles also draw them in.
Do possums eat poisonous snakes?
Yes, possums have partial immunity to certain snake venoms and will eat venomous snakes including copperheads and rattlesnakes. This makes them beneficial for controlling dangerous snake populations.
How much do possums eat per night?
Adult possums typically consume about 1-2 pounds of food per night, though this varies by season, availability, and individual size. They may travel several miles while foraging.
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