Opossums are omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming a wide variety of food sources. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, and carrion. This adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from rural woodlands to urban settings.
This diverse diet plays a crucial role in ecosystem health. As scavengers, opossums help control insect populations and remove carrion, preventing the spread of disease. Their consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to seed dispersal, aiding in plant propagation. Historically, opossums have been a food source for some human populations and continue to be a subject of scientific study due to their unique biological characteristics, including their resistance to certain toxins.
