Damon Mcknight
Australian possums are an iconic part of the country's fauna, but they can also be a nuisance to homeowners. Possums are protected by law in Australia, so it is illegal to remove them from your home or property in most states. They are mostly herbivores, with a diet consisting of eucalyptus leaves, green plum, acacia, red bush apple, and other plants. They also eat fruits and vegetables in small quantities. In urban areas, possums may scavenge for leftover meat and raid bins for food. While they are not known to eat mice, they do hunt for small lizards and bird eggs to supplement their diet with protein.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Australian possums are herbivores and eat eucalyptus leaves, green plum, acacia, red bush apple, fruit, vegetables, bird eggs, snails, slugs, beetles, lizards, and insects. |
| Eating habits | Possums tend to eat food whole, whereas mice eat only small parts of it. |
| Urban diet | In urban areas, possums eat leftover meat from discarded bones, raid bins for food, and eat fruit. |
| Health risks | Possums can carry mites, ticks, parasites, and bacterial infections that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. |
| Legal status | It is illegal to remove a possum from your home in most Australian states. |
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What You'll Learn
Australian possums are mostly herbivores
While their diet is primarily herbivorous, possums do occasionally consume some animal products. They have been known to hunt small lizards and eat bird eggs, particularly those of brushtail possums. In urban settings, possums may scavenge for leftover meat on discarded bones from barbecues or raid bins for food scraps. Despite this, meat only constitutes a small part of their diet, and they are not considered carnivores.
The diet of Australian possums can vary depending on their habitat. Those living in wild locations like forests and grasslands tend to have a diet mostly consisting of eucalyptus and other shrubs. On the other hand, possums in urban areas may have a different diet, including human food sources such as fruit and bread. Possums are known to raid bins or eat leftover food from picnic tables, which can sometimes lead to them consuming unhealthy foods that can cause long-term health issues.
It is important to note that while possums are protected in Australia, it is illegal to feed them certain human foods that can be harmful to their health, such as sweets, junk food, and raw meat. Possums have a low metabolism and a primarily plant-based diet, so they may not be able to properly digest processed or meat-based foods. Additionally, raw meat can spread diseases, and feeding possums may cause them to become dependent on humans for food, affecting their ability to survive independently in the wild.
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They eat plants like eucalyptus, shrubs, herbs, and fruits
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, meaning their diet is largely plant-based. They are known to eat plants like eucalyptus, shrubs, herbs, and fruits. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), for example, has a diet consisting mainly of eucalyptus when living away from human habitation. However, urban possums may have different dietary habits, including raiding bins for leftover meat and bread.
The brushtail possum, with its pointed face, pink nose, and bushy black tail, is indigenous to Australia and the second-biggest possum in the country. It is a nocturnal, semi-tree dwelling marsupial in the Phalangeridae family. Possums that inhabit denser, wetter forests tend to be darker in colour.
Eucalyptus leaves are a favourite food of possums, and they will also eat other plants such as green plum, acacia, and red bush apple. Possums have a low metabolism, so their calorie needs are easily met with simple plants. However, they can also eat fruits, vegetables, and even small lizards and bird eggs to obtain protein.
While possums are protected by law in Australia, it is important not to feed them directly. Possums that are fed by humans can lose their fear and become aggressive when not fed. Additionally, artificial feeding can lead to overcrowding, facilitating the spread of diseases and parasites. Possums are foragers and should be allowed to find food on their own.
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They can be pests and raid bins for food
Australian possums are considered pests by many Australians. They can be found in backyards, homes, and sheds, eating garden produce and leaving behind a mess with their urination and droppings. They are known to raid bins and eat from rubbish left on the floor, attracted to leftover meat on bones from barbecues and fruit. Possums are also drawn to compost bins, where they feed on kitchen scraps and garden waste.
In urban areas, possums may be attracted to the meat left on bones from discarded BBQ parties or bins containing thrown-away food. However, their diet consists mostly of fruit, and they are more likely to raid human locations for this. They also eat bread.
The natural diet of possums is plant-based, including leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are mainly herbivores, favouring eucalyptus and other leaves, ferns, buds, flowers, and fruits. They are known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat trees that other animals find poisonous.
To prevent possums from raiding bins and causing a mess, it is recommended to secure rubbish bin and compost bin lids and get a bin that can be locked down. It is also advised to cut back branches that overhang the house to prevent them from accessing the roof and to block holes in buildings.
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Possums are beneficial as they eat rodents and cockroaches
Possums are generally considered pests in Australia, as they can enter homes and sheds, eating garden produce and leaving behind unpleasant-smelling urine and droppings. However, they can be beneficial as they eat rodents and cockroaches.
The diet of possums is typically plant-based, including eucalyptus leaves, shrubs, herbs, flowers, and fruits. They also eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, bird eggs, and small lizards. In urban settings, possums may also scavenge for food in bins and rubbish left on the ground or picnic tables, including leftover meat and bread.
While possums are not carnivores, they do eat rodents and cockroaches, making them natural pest controllers. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that possums are beneficial in urban areas as they eat rodents and carrion (flesh of dead animals). Mother Nature Network (MNN) further highlights possums as welcome additions to gardens, as their diet includes snails, slugs, and beetles.
Opossums, the North American equivalent of Australian possums, are known to compete with rats and cockroaches for food. They may even kill and eat these pests if they invade their territory. This helps to keep the pest population under control without the use of chemicals or other artificial means.
Despite their pest-eating benefits, possums can still be considered a nuisance by humans when they come too close or enter human dwellings. To prevent this, it is recommended to secure garbage cans, clean up after barbecues, and feed pets indoors. It is also important to note that feeding possums is not advised, as it can lead to dependency and potential aggression if they are not fed as expected.
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They are protected by law in Australia
Australian possums are protected by law, despite the fact that they are sometimes considered pests. They are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with possums in any way without a permit. The Nature Conservation Act 2014 also safeguards possums and other wildlife in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). These laws recognise the delicate balance between protecting human property and preserving the well-being of possums, which play a vital role in Australia's ecosystems.
Possums are native to Australia and are found in various habitats across the country, from lush forests to suburban backyards. They are known for their furry bodies and large, bright eyes. While they may be seen as nuisances due to their habits of nesting in roofs and eating garden greens, their ecological significance is important to protect. Urban expansion has reduced their natural habitats, and they are now adapting to urban environments, sometimes seeking shelter in buildings and finding food in people's gardens or orchards or crops.
The protection of possums under the law highlights the importance of preserving Australia's rich biodiversity and unique species. Possums contribute to this biodiversity and play a role in maintaining the health of Australian ecosystems. They are mainly herbivores, feeding primarily on eucalyptus leaves, fresh plant shoots, flowers, and fruits. However, they will also eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, bird's eggs, and even small lizards.
While possums can pose challenges for homeowners, there are legal and humane methods for managing their presence. For example, nest boxes can be installed in gardens to provide an alternative den site for possums, deterring them from roofs and gardens. Repellents and collars are also available to protect trees and plants from possums. In some cases, possums may be trapped and released on the same property or taken to a registered vet, but this requires a licence or permit.
Overall, while Australian possums may sometimes be seen as pests, they are protected by law due to their ecological significance and contribution to the country's rich biodiversity.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, meaning their diet is largely plant-based. They are known to eat eucalyptus leaves, fruits, vegetables, bird eggs, and small lizards. There is no evidence that they eat mice.
The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is the size of a domestic cat and is the second-biggest possum in Australia. It has a pointed face, a pink nose, long oval ears, and a bushy black tail.
In urban areas, possums can be considered pests as they raid bins and eat leftover food. They can also be destructive to crops and gardens. However, they are beneficial for pest control as they eat snails, slugs, beetles, and other insects.
In most states in Australia, it is illegal to remove a possum from your home. If you want to get rid of a possum, it is recommended to hire a licensed possum catcher.
To avoid possums in your yard, you should not feed them and keep your garbage bins secure. It is also important to feed your pets indoors and clean up any leftover food or grease.
