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What Do Opossums Eat?

Opossums are scavengers, meaning they eat whatever is available. While their diet is highly varied, they primarily feed on fruits, vegetables, insects, and even smaller animals like rodents. To meet their nutritional requirements, opossums must eat on a regular basis, which is why you may find them rummaging through your trash cans at night. Understanding what opossums eat can help you protect your property and your garden from becoming a meal.

What Opossums Eat in the Wild

Opossums will eat a variety of items found in the wild. They will forage for insects and other invertebrates, including snails, earthworms, spiders, and centipedes. They also feed on carrion and can be seen scavenging dead animals like birds, snakes, and rodents. Additionally, they’re fond of small rodents and will happily eat mice, rabbits, and rats if they can catch them.

Opossums enjoy fruits, vegetables, and grains. They’re also known to dine on acorns, berries, grass, and even mushrooms. It’s not unusual to find feral opossums eating various plants in the garden. They may even sneak into your compost bin in search of a tasty morsel.

What Opossums Eat on Backyards

In suburban settings, opossums may not have access to all the food sources available in their natural habitats. However, they’ve adapted to the human presence and will take advantage of any food sources they can find. Opossums will eat cat food, dog food, and bird food that is left out in the yard. They’re also fond of pet feces and will consume anything from fruit dropped from trees to mice that have made their way into your home.

Opossums are particularly fond of birdseed. If you have a bird feeder in your backyard, you’re likely to attract opossums in search of a meal. To keep opossums away from your birdseed, make sure to keep your feeder high off the ground, enough so the opossum can’t reach it or topple it over. If that doesn’t work, consider installing a motion-activated sprinkler to scare away the pesky marsupial.

Protecting Your Property

While opossums generally live a solitary existence, they can exhibit bold behavior when food is scarce. If you find that your property is being invaded by opossums, the best thing to do is make sure that you’re not leaving any food sources available for them. Reduce their access to cat food, birdseed, and garbage, and make sure that your compost bin is securely closed.

Opossums can also cause damage to your garden and lawn, so take measures to protect these areas as well. Make sure to cover your garden with a fence to keep the opossum out. Additionally, avoid leaving branches, logs, and other debris in your yard, as it can provide a convenient hiding spot for opossums.

Final Thoughts

Opossums are incredibly adaptable animals that can survive in a variety of environments, including your backyard. By understanding what opossums eat, you can protect your property and garden from damage and keep the opossum out. If you find that an opossum has made its way onto your property, take measures to reduce its access to food sources, and you should be able to keep it away.