Possums are fascinating creatures that often spark curiosity when they wander into backyards, gardens, or woodlands. One of the most common questions people ask is: what do possums eat?
To clear all confusion.
Understanding a Possum’s Diet
Possums are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet changes based on what’s available in the environment, making them adaptable survivors.
Foods Possums Commonly Eat
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, pears, bananas, grapes, melons, berries |
| Vegetables | Corn, carrots, peas, beans, potatoes |
| Insects | Beetles, crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers |
| Small Animals | Frogs, mice, birds, snails, worms |
| Eggs | Bird eggs, reptile eggs |
| Carrion (dead animals) | Roadkill, leftover remains in the wild |
| Pet Food | Cat food, dog food left outside |
| Human Food | Bread, chips, leftovers, compost scraps |
Possum Diet Chart (What They Eat vs. What They Don’t Eat)
| What Possums Eat | What Possums Don’t Eat |
|---|---|
| Fruits (apples, berries, grapes, bananas) | Citrus peels |
| Vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, sweet potato) | Onions |
| Insects (beetles, cockroaches, grasshoppers) | Garlic |
| Small animals (frogs, mice, snakes) | Chili peppers |
| Eggs | Spices & heavily seasoned food |
| Pet food (cat/dog food, if available) | Chocolate |
| Grains (rice, oats, bread) | Coffee & tea |
| Carrion (dead animals) | Avocado (toxic to many animals) |
| Leaves, grass, and roots | Processed junk food |
| Nectar & flowers | Alcohol |
Do Possums Eat Fruit?
Yes. Possums love fruit and are often seen raiding gardens or fruit trees. They especially enjoy sweet fruits like grapes, melons, and bananas.
Do Possums Eat Vegetables?
Yes, but less than fruit. They may nibble on corn, peas, beans, or carrots if they find them.
Do Possums Eat Meat?
Possums are opportunistic. They eat small rodents, birds, and insects when available. They also scavenge dead animals, which helps clean the environment.
Do Possums Eat Insects?
Absolutely. Insects are a big part of their natural diet and provide protein. They eat beetles, crickets, snails, worms, and even cockroaches.
Do Possums Eat Pet Food?
Yes. If you leave dog or cat food outside, possums will likely eat it. That’s why many homeowners find possums near their porches or backyards at night.
Do Possums Eat Garbage?
Sometimes. They may dig into trash cans for scraps, leftovers, or compost, especially in urban areas.
Seasonal Eating Habits
- Spring & Summer – More insects, fruits, and small animals.
- Fall – Fruits, nuts, and garden crops.
- Winter – Carrion, pet food, and whatever scraps they can find.
What Should You NOT Feed Possums?
If you see a possum in your yard and feel like feeding it, avoid giving:
- Processed human junk food (chips, chocolate, candy)
- Onions, garlic, raw potatoes (toxic in large amounts)
- Dairy (they cannot digest it well)
Common Questions People Ask
Do possums eat snakes?
Yes, some species eat small snakes, including venomous ones, because possums have a natural resistance to snake venom.
Do possums eat chickens?
They may attack small chicks or eat chicken eggs, but they rarely kill grown chickens.
What Do Possums Eat grass?
Not usually. They prefer fruits, insects, and meat scraps over grass.
What Do Possums Eat cats?
No, possums do not hunt cats. At most, they may fight over food, but cats usually dominate.
Do possums eat ticks?
Yes, they are known to eat thousands of ticks in a season, which helps reduce tick populations.
Do possums eat garden plants?
They might nibble on vegetables, but fruits are more attractive to them.
What do possums eat in the wild?
A mix of plants, fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion.
What do possums eat in the winter?
They survive on stored body fat, scavenged food, and whatever fruits or small prey they find.
What Do Possums Eat rats?
Yes, they sometimes eat rats and mice if available.
What do possums eat at night?
They forage for fruits, insects, snails, small animals, and food scraps.
What do possums eat and drink?
They eat plants, insects, small animals, and drink water from natural sources.
Key Takeaways
- Possums are omnivores that eat fruits, vegetables, insects, eggs, small animals, and even carrion.
- They adapt to whatever food is available, including pet food and garbage.
- While they can be a nuisance, possums also help control pests like insects and ticks.