Opossums are nocturnal omnivores, foraging for a wide variety of food items under the cover of darkness. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, eggs, frogs, earthworms, carrion, fruits, berries, nuts, grains, and even garbage. This diverse palate allows them to thrive in various habitats and adapt to changing food availability throughout the year.
This opportunistic feeding behavior plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. As scavengers, opossums help control populations of insects and rodents, and their consumption of carrion aids in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Understanding their dietary habits provides insights into their ecological niche and the overall health of the environments they inhabit. Historically, opossums have been a food source for some human populations and continue to be studied for their unique immune responses to certain venoms and diseases.
