Are Carrots Part of a Possum’s Diet?
Most people are familiar with the common marsupial, the possum, but do they actually eat carrots? In Australia, possums are often seen foraging and sneaking around in backyards for food, and it’s understandable to wonder if they are part of the possum’s diet. There has been extensive research conducted regarding possum’s diet in Australia, which sheds light on if they do or do not consume carrots.
What Do We Know About Possums
Possums are omnivorous animals and therefore their diets consist of both plants and animals. The possums that reside in Australia are mainly herbivores, as they fill their diet primarily with fruits, leaves, flowers and grasses. In addition, possums consume insects such as beetles and grubs. However, possums aren’t solely herbivores; they do feed on small animals like birds, lizards, frogs, and eggs too.
Do Possums Eat Carrots?
Although it is possible that possums may pick at carrots, there is no evidence to suggest that they make up part of their diet. The possums found in Australian backyards have plenty of other food sources, such as leaves, fruits, insects, and small animals, and generally will not consume carrots if there is an easier option available. Due to possums’ omnivorous nature, in extreme cases such as starvation or in captive circumstances, possums have been known to eat carrots as a form of sustenance.
Research Findings
The results from the research conducted alongside possums’ current diet shows that carrots don’t form part of their daily diet. Possums lack the sharp teeth necessary for breaking ground vegetables, such as carrots, into small enough pieces for them to consume – meaning occasionally they will take a nibble of a carrot if they have little other option. So, while this doesn’t mean it is impossible to see a possum eating a carrot, it’s not something that’s likely to happen in your backyard.
Are Carrots Good for Possums?
The United States Department of Agriculture specifically list carrots in their nutrition facts chart for marsupials. They describe the vegetable as ‘an excellent source of dietary fiber, beta carotene, Vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants’. Therefore, this means that in certain scenarios, carrots can be beneficial for a possum’s health. However, when considering that possums have adapted to Australia’s unique native food sources, it’s important to keep in mind that carrots, whilst they can be beneficial, might not be than the same nutrients they would find naturally.
How Are Carrots Connected to Possums?
Carrots and possums have become associated due to the widespread urban myths claiming carrots are an essential part of possums’ diet. These myths have been circulated due to cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, which featured a rabbit who often ate carrots. Unfortunately, due to the similarities between rabbits and possums, many people have mistaken these claims as being applicable to possums, when in reality they are not.
What Do Experts Say?
Expert opinion regarding possums and carrots is mixed. It is widely accepted amongst environmental experts, wildlife authorities, and veterinarians that carrots are not part of a possums’ diet although they can eat them in certain circumstances. On the other hand, pet owners have claimed to have successfully raised possums on a diet that includes carrots.
Can Possums Benefit from Eating Carrots?
Though possums may be able to digest and benefit from carrots, Australian wildlife authorities suggest seeking professional advice before supplementing a possums diet with the vegetable. It is important to note that in the wild, they do not have access to carrots and other vegetables; therefore allowing them to consume such foods can lead to them depending on humans for sustenance.
What Other Foods Do Possums Eat?
In Australia, the possum’s diet consists of mostly native plants such as fruits, leaves, and flowers. Eucalyptus leaves and native fruits are the most common food sources for possums in Australia, providing them with essential nutrients. Possums are also known to feed on insects like beetles, grubs, and larvae. Although small animals such as birds, lizards, frogs, and eggs are minor components of the possum’s diet, they do supplement it, especially when food is scarce.
What Do Possums Avoid Eating?
Possums are known to avoid eating certain things, such as vegetables and fruit with high amounts of toxins and pesticides present, as this can have adverse health impacts. Another food source that possums typically avoid is maize, as although it is high in carbohydrates which can sustain them, it also contains many anti-nutrients which possums cannot process, leading to negative impacts on their health.
Do Possums Spread Diseases?
It is important to note that it is important to be cautious when in the presence of possums as some species of possums can carry diseases. One of the well-known diseases that possums can carry is ringworm, which is a contagious fungal skin infection. Possums can also carry and transmit Salmonella, a bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. This can enter the body through contact with possum droppings and contaminated foods. It is important to seek professional medical advice if you suspect you have been exposed to a possum’s fecal matter.
Should You Feed Possums?
If you are considering feeding possums, it is advised that you research the do’s and don’ts of possum feeding before attempting. This is because although many people may find it heart-warming to feed them, possums can become reliant on such feeding, leading to problems for both themselves and humans in general. Australia has strict regulations around wildlife feeding, so it is important to remain up to date with these laws before attempting to feed.
Do Possums Have Predators?
Although possums can look cute, they are at times preyed on by other animals, such as snakes, cats, wild dogs, hawks, eagles, owls, and foxes. In addition, Australian wildlife authorities have introduced a major predator into certain areas, the Tasmanian Devil, in order to control the possum population. Other methods of possum control include trapping and live baiting, which are regulations enforced by wildlife authorities.
