Should you feed wild opossums? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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Should You Feed Wild Opossums? A Delicate Balance

The answer to “Should you feed wild opossums?” is generally no, as while they might seem like they need help, feeding them can ultimately harm both the opossums themselves and the surrounding ecosystem. It is a complex issue with potential unintended consequences.

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Understanding Opossums: Nature’s Pest Control

Opossums, often misunderstood and unfairly maligned, are North America’s only marsupial. These nocturnal creatures play a significant role in our environment, acting as natural pest controllers. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet consists of a wide variety of items, from insects and snails to rodents and carrion. This makes them incredibly efficient at cleaning up our yards and reducing populations of unwanted pests.

The Downsides of Feeding Wild Opossums

While the intention behind feeding an opossum might be kind, the consequences can be detrimental:

Dependency: Opossums can become dependent on humans for food, losing their natural foraging abilities.
Overpopulation: Artificial feeding can lead to an increase in the local opossum population, exceeding the natural carrying capacity of the environment.
Disease Transmission: Concentrating animals at feeding sites increases the risk of disease transmission among opossums and to other wildlife.
Human Interaction Problems: Opossums that become accustomed to humans may lose their fear, leading to unwanted interactions and potential conflicts.
Unhealthy Diet: Providing food that is not part of their natural diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems.
Attracting other pests: Leaving food out for opossums can attract other unwanted wildlife, such as rodents, raccoons, and stray cats.

The Natural Diet of an Opossum

Understanding an opossum’s natural diet is crucial to understanding why feeding them is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Their diet is remarkably varied and includes:

Insects (cockroaches, crickets, beetles)
Snails and slugs
Rodents (mice, rats)
Carrion (dead animals)
Fruits and berries
Eggs
Garbage (unfortunately, they are attracted to human waste)

This diverse diet ensures they get the nutrients they need from natural sources. Providing them with supplemental food can disrupt this natural balance.

When Intervention Might Be Necessary

While generally discouraged, there are rare situations where intervention might be warranted. These circumstances are:

Orphaned or Injured Opossums: If you find an orphaned or injured opossum, the best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to provide appropriate care.
Extreme Weather Conditions: During prolonged periods of extreme cold or drought, opossums may struggle to find adequate food and water. However, consult with a wildlife expert before considering any supplemental feeding, as other measures may be more effective and less harmful.

Prevention is Key: Reducing Attractants

The best way to help opossums is to reduce the attractants that draw them to your property in the first place:

Secure Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent opossums (and other wildlife) from accessing food scraps.
Bring Pet Food Indoors: Do not leave pet food outside, especially overnight.
Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Remove fallen fruit from your yard to eliminate a potential food source.
Secure Compost Bins: Ensure your compost bin is properly sealed to prevent opossums from scavenging for food.
Eliminate Standing Water: Standing water can attract opossums and other pests. Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard.

Table Comparing Natural Diet vs. Human-Provided Food

Food Source	Natural Diet	Human-Provided Food	Potential Problems
——————–	————————————-	————————————–	————————————————————————————
Insects & Rodents	High nutritional value, natural source	Absent or insufficient	Nutritional deficiencies
Fruits & Berries	Seasonal, balanced	Often sugary and processed	Obesity, dental problems, digestive issues
Carrion	Essential for certain nutrients	Absent	Loss of natural scavenging behavior
Human Garbage	Unpredictable, often unhealthy	Convenient and readily available	Nutritional imbalances, exposure to toxins, dependency
Overall Assessment	Balanced, sustainable	Unbalanced, potentially harmful	Disrupts natural foraging, leads to dependency and other negative consequences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if an opossum looks thin or sick? Should you feed wild opossums then?

While your compassion is admirable, a thin or sick-looking opossum should not be fed directly. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can properly assess the animal’s condition and provide appropriate care. Direct feeding could potentially worsen the situation or even transmit diseases.

Is it okay to give an opossum water during a drought?

Providing a shallow dish of fresh water during a drought is generally considered acceptable, as long as it’s done responsibly. Ensure the dish is clean and placed in a safe location, away from pets and children. Avoid adding sugar or other additives to the water. Monitor the water source regularly and remove it if it attracts unwanted pests.

Will feeding opossums help control the tick population?

Opossums do consume a significant number of ticks, and they are often touted as natural tick control agents. However, feeding them doesn’t necessarily increase their tick-eating behavior. It might make them reliant on the provided food instead. Focus on creating a healthy ecosystem that supports a natural opossum population for the best long-term tick control.

What is the best way to encourage opossums to stay in my yard without feeding them?

Create a wildlife-friendly habitat by providing natural cover, such as shrubs and trees. Maintain a natural leaf litter layer, which provides shelter and foraging opportunities. Avoid using pesticides, which can harm opossums and other beneficial wildlife.

Are opossums dangerous to humans or pets?

Opossums are generally not aggressive and are more likely to “play dead” than attack. However, like any wild animal, they can bite or scratch if threatened. Keep pets indoors, especially at night, and avoid approaching or handling opossums.

Can I get rabies from an opossum?

Opossums have a remarkably low risk of carrying rabies due to their low body temperature. While it is theoretically possible, it is extremely rare. However, it’s still crucial to avoid contact with opossums and to report any unusual behavior to animal control.

What kind of food is harmful to opossums?

Avoid feeding opossums processed foods, sugary treats, and dog or cat food. These foods lack the necessary nutrients and can lead to health problems. Never give them milk, as they are lactose intolerant.

If I stop feeding an opossum, will it starve?

An opossum that has become accustomed to being fed may experience a temporary period of adjustment when you stop providing food. However, they are naturally resourceful foragers and will eventually adapt and find alternative food sources.

How can I tell if an opossum is truly orphaned?

A young opossum that is less than 7 inches long (excluding the tail) and is wandering alone during the day is likely orphaned. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to care for it yourself as they require specialized care.

Is it illegal to feed wild opossums?

Local laws and regulations vary, so it’s essential to check with your city or county animal control agency to determine if feeding wild opossums is prohibited in your area.

What are the signs of a healthy opossum?

A healthy opossum should be alert, active at night, and have a healthy coat of fur. They should move with purpose and appear well-fed.

Should I feed my pet opossum a different diet than a wild opossum?

This article addresses feeding wild opossums. Keeping a pet opossum is very uncommon and may be illegal, depending on your location. If you are legally permitted to keep one as a pet, its dietary needs are very specific and should be determined in consultation with a veterinarian or a wildlife expert experienced in opossum care. Do not assume that you can simply replicate the wild opossum diet.