Do opossums eat kittens or puppies?

While opossums are opportunistic omnivores and will eat a variety of things, including small animals, it's highly unlikely they would target kittens or puppies.

Here's why:

* Size and Strength: Opossums are relatively small and weak. They are not equipped to handle a struggling kitten or puppy, especially if the animal is larger than a few weeks old.

* Defensive Strategies: Opossums are known for their "playing dead" defense mechanism. They are more likely to run away from a confrontation with a larger animal.

* Natural Prey: Their diet typically consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally small rodents and birds.

However, it's important to remember that:

* Opossums may scavenge: They may occasionally scavenge dead or injured kittens or puppies, particularly if they are accessible.

* Individual behavior: There might be rare instances where an individual opossum, driven by hunger or unusual circumstances, might attempt to take a very young, vulnerable kitten or puppy.

Overall, it's very unlikely an opossum would intentionally hunt and kill a healthy kitten or puppy. If you have concerns about your pets' safety, it's best to keep them indoors, especially at night.