What do possums like to eat?

Opossums, also known as possums, are fascinating creatures that belong to the marsupial family. There are more than 60 species of opossum, the only species found in North America being the Virginia opossum. Despite often being viewed as dirty scavengers, opossums have several positive features. For one, opossums have a remarkable ability to find food and then remember where it is located. They return again and again to the same food sources. In laboratory tests, possums scored higher than rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs in their ability to recall where food was placed. With that being said, just what do possums eat? And what should you do if you find possums in your yard?

The opossum diet

Virginia opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat a diverse range of foods. Opossums eat dead animals, insects, rodents, and birds. They also feed on eggs, frogs, plants, fruits, and grain. A little-known fact about a possum’s diet is their need for high amounts of calcium. This means that possums readily eat the skeletal remains of rodents and other roadkill animals. Their diet is quite adaptable and can vary significantly based on environmental factors. Opossums living in urban areas may scavenge human food scraps, while those in rural settings might rely more on natural resources like plants and small creatures. Unfortunately, that means you may find possums rummaging through your garbage cans, as they are known to eat dog food, cat food, and table scraps.

Opossums are built for scavenging

Opossums are built for scavenging and will eat practically any food source they can find and gain access to. Accessibility to food is most often not a problem because of their anatomical makeup and feeding habits. Possums have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing. They are most active at night and move constantly in search of food. Their omnivorous diet allows possums to eat various foods, from fruits and insects to small animals. They have a long prehensile tail to aid them in climbing and are also equipped with sharp claws, which they use for digging, climbing, and capturing prey.

What do baby opossums eat?

While adults are well equipped to scavenge for food, newborn opossums are only about the size of a honey bee. Young opossums will stay in their mother’s pouch for around 80 days before they are mature enough to scavenge on their own. They are typically dependent on their mother’s milk for nourishment during the early stages of their lives, which can last for several weeks. Once they begin to grow and develop, around two to three months old, they will eat solid foods.

Is it bad to have an opossum in your yard?

Having an opossum in your yard is generally not a bad thing; in fact, these creatures have several benefits. Because rodents, cockroaches, ticks, snails, and slugs are included in the possum’s diet, they can act as natural pest controllers and help decrease the number of these pests on your property. They are also known for their role in seed dispersal and significantly contribute to cleaning ecosystems by consuming carrion, which helps prevent the spread of disease. However, it’s important to take a few precautions if you have an opossum visiting your yard. Ensure that garbage bins are securely closed to avoid attracting them, and remove any pet food left outside after dark. You may also need to make sure pets are treated for fleas, as many possums carry fleas that can transfer to pets.

To help keep possums and other wildlife under control around your home, call Terminix for a free inspection.