About Possums
Generic Name: Possums.
Scientific Name: Phalangeriformes.
Type: Mammals
Possums are a type of opossum, a marsupial whose name means “grasping hands. “Possums are common in most areas of the world. They are found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Possums can grow up to 2 feet in length, weigh an average of 7 pounds, and can get over 20 pounds. In this article about what do possums eat, we will find a lot about this animal.
Possums have a very long lifespan of 13 years to 15 years on average in the wild possum. And up to an estimated 30 years or more for some possums that have been kept as pets. The only way to sex them is by checking the animal’s pouch while it is sleeping. Pet possums will also come when called. And learn tricks such as fetching their favorite toy or playing dead.
To fend off predators, possums will try to scare them off by stamping their feet or hissing. They have been living in treetops. Where they build nests that hang out upside down, with their tails acting as the only grip point. Usually on trees or vines that hang down from trees. Their tails are very strong and have a prehensile tip so they can be used to hang from branches. They have been found in suburban areas living in trees, houses, under decks, downpipes, and on roofs.
Kinds Of Possums
Besides having the long, bushy tail of a ring-tailed possum. its body is grayish and has alternating rings of black and white fur. The ring-tailed possum is very playful and likes to play with its long tail. You can often find a ring-tailed possum living in trees or near creeks. It is because the water is a good source of food for them.
What Do Possums Eat?
Possums are mostly nocturnal. They sleep during the day and come out at night. People might think they have poor eyesight at night. Instead, they have fantastic night vision. They will forage for food during the night and eat insects, worms, fruit, berries, and fruit flies. In the wild, the feeding habits of an adult possum would be 70% vegetation and 30% animal protein.
Possums can thrive in places with little vegetation available. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need vegetation for sustenance. They usually stick around trees in the morning. Late afternoon, where they may find a wide variety of insects. Young opossums can be fed pet food like cat food.
Possums eat just about anything worth eating. Such as fruits and nuts, insects, small mammals such as mice and rats, birds such as chickens and pigeons. They will also eat garden plants which they prefer if they can reach them without being caught in a trap. Or stepped on by children though most people either do not realize this or don’t care. The reason is that it makes their garden look more attractive to them.
Diet of Newborn Possums
