Plant-Based Foods:
* Fruits: Possums love sweet fruits like berries, apples, peaches, and figs.
* Flowers: They enjoy nectar from flowers, especially those with strong scents.
* Leaves: Some species will munch on leaves, especially when other food is scarce.
* Seeds: They'll eat seeds from fruits and other plants.
* Nuts: Possums enjoy nuts like acorns and pecans.
Animal-Based Foods:
* Insects: Crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects are a favorite.
* Small animals: Possums will eat rodents, birds, eggs, and even small reptiles and amphibians.
* Carrion: They are scavengers and will happily eat dead animals.
* Pet food: They'll raid bird feeders and pet food bowls if they get the chance!
Factors that influence their diet:
* Location: The availability of food varies depending on the region and habitat.
* Season: Their diet changes with the seasons, focusing on what's most abundant.
* Age and sex: Young possums will eat more insects, while adults eat more fruits and vegetables.
Important Note:
Possums are not aggressive animals and generally pose no threat to humans or pets. They are actually beneficial as they control insect populations and help with seed dispersal.