Possums are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide variety of foods found in their natural environment. However, they are also known to scavenge for human-provided food sources, including discarded pet food, fallen fruit from cultivated trees, and improperly stored garbage. Their diet of accessible human food can range from meat scraps and dairy products to bread, pastries, and even sugary drinks.
Understanding a possum’s dietary habits, especially their consumption of human-provided food, is crucial for several reasons. It helps inform strategies for wildlife management in urban and suburban areas, mitigating potential conflicts between humans and these animals. Furthermore, knowledge of their dietary preferences allows for effective deterrent strategies to protect gardens, orchards, and refuse storage areas. Historically, possums have adapted to human encroachment by utilizing these readily available food sources, illustrating their adaptability and resilience. This adaptation, however, can lead to potential health issues for the animals, as well as nuisance behaviors for people.