What Do Opossums Eat​​?

1. Insects

Opossums are excellent pest controllers, as a significant portion of their diet consists of insects.

• Beetles: Opossums hunt and eat various types of beetles, which are common in many of their habitats.
• Grasshoppers: These are another staple in the diet of opossums, especially during warmer months when grasshoppers are abundant.
• Cockroaches: Opossums help control the population of cockroaches in areas where these pests are present, making them useful in urban environments.
• Crickets: Like grasshoppers, crickets are easily caught by opossums and are a favored food source.
• Spiders: Opossums are not picky about their insect choices, and spiders make a good snack for them as well.
• Ants and Termites: While not their primary source of food, opossums will eat ants and termites if they find them.
• Slugs and Snails: These small, slow-moving invertebrates are also part of an opossum’s diet, especially in moist environments.

2. Small Animals

Though opossums are not usually active hunters of larger prey, they do eat small animals when the opportunity arises.

• Mice and Rats: Opossums will occasionally catch and eat small rodents like mice and rats. This helps control rodent populations in areas where opossums are present.
• Birds: If opossums come across small birds or their eggs, particularly ground-nesting species, they may consume them.
• Frogs: Amphibians like frogs and toads are also part of the opossum diet when available, especially in wetter environments.
• Snakes: Opossums are known to eat small snakes, and they are even resistant to the venom of some snake species, such as rattlesnakes.
• Carrion: Opossums are scavengers and will eat dead animals they come across, including roadkill or animals that have died of natural causes. Their ability to consume carrion without getting sick is a key reason they survive in urban and rural environments alike.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Opossums also consume a variety of plant-based foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients.

• Berries: Opossums love to eat berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. These fruits are a significant part of their diet during the summer months when they are in season.
• Apples and Pears: Opossums are fond of orchard fruits like apples and pears, often scavenging fallen fruit from trees.
• Grapes: If opossums come across grapes, they will eat them, whether they’re growing on vines or found in gardens.
• Figs and Persimmons: In some areas, opossums feast on figs and persimmons, which provide both nourishment and hydration.
• Vegetables: Opossums may eat garden vegetables like corn, squash, and tomatoes, often raiding gardens or farms for these crops.
• Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe are favorite summer treats for opossums, especially in hot climates where water sources may be scarce.

4. Grains and Seeds

While grains and seeds are not their primary food source, opossums will eat them when available.

• Corn: Corn is a particularly appealing food for opossums, especially in agricultural areas or when they find it in gardens.
• Seeds: Opossums may consume birdseed or other types of seeds they come across, especially if food sources are limited.

5. Eggs

Opossums are known to eat eggs, especially if they come across bird nests or poultry farms.

• Bird Eggs: Opossums raid the nests of ground-dwelling birds to eat their eggs, particularly during the nesting season.
• Chicken Eggs: If they gain access to chicken coops, opossums may steal and eat the eggs. However, they generally prefer to eat the eggs rather than the chickens themselves.

6. Garbage and Human Food

In urban areas, opossums often become scavengers, eating leftover human food and garbage.

• Food Scraps: Opossums will eat almost any food scraps they find in garbage cans, including bread, meat, and leftovers.
• Pet Food: Opossums often eat cat or dog food that’s left outside. Pet food is highly appealing to them because it’s nutrient-dense and easy to access.
• Compost: Opossums may also dig through compost piles to find discarded fruits, vegetables, or other organic matter.

7. Plants and Leaves

Though they prefer more calorie-dense foods, opossums will eat plant material when other food sources are limited.

• Leaves: Opossums will occasionally eat leaves, especially tender shoots and young leaves from plants, if other food is scarce.
• Grasses: Though not their first choice, they will graze on grass or other vegetation in survival situations.

8. Dietary Flexibility

Opossums are highly adaptable creatures, which allows them to thrive in many different environments. Their diet changes based on what is available to them, and they can survive in various habitats from urban areas to forests and wetlands. Because they are not picky eaters, opossums play an essential role in their ecosystems by controlling pest populations and cleaning up carrion.

9. Hydration

Opossums get much of their hydration from the food they eat, particularly from fruits and vegetables, which have high water content. In drier environments, they will drink from water sources like puddles, streams, or even pet water dishes if accessible.

Conclusion

Opossums are opportunistic omnivores with a highly varied diet, consuming everything from insects and small animals to fruits, vegetables, and even garbage. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both natural and urban settings, and they play a beneficial role in pest control and scavenging. Whether feasting on beetles or fallen fruit, opossums are resourceful eaters that make the most of whatever is available in their environment.