Animals that eat possums include owls, birds, bobcats, eagles, and foxes.
There are some animals that prey on possums as their main source of food. These animals include bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and snakes. All of these predators have sharp claws or teeth that help them to kill and eat the possums.
In addition, some scavenging animals, such as vultures and raptors, will also eat possums if they are available. While possums may be a common prey item for many different predators, they are not typically hunted by humans.
Examples of Animals that Eat Possums
1. Barn Owls
Scientific Name | Tyto alba |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Europe, western Asia, and Africa |
Diet | Carnivore |
The barn owl is a common predator of possums. This owl typically hunts at night and uses its sharp talons to kill its prey. The barn owl has been known to eat other animals, such as rats, rabbits, and skunks, but the possum is one of its main sources of food.
2. Black Kite
Scientific Name | Milvus migrans |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
The black kite is a raptor that is found in many parts of the world. This bird of prey is attracted to large areas where there is lots of prey available, which includes possums. The black kite has sharp talons that it uses to grasp its prey and strong muscles that allow it to carry heavy animals. In addition to possums, the black kite also preys on other small mammals, birds, and insects.
3. Bobcats
Scientific Name | Lynx rufus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America, southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico |
Diet | Carnivore |
Bobcats are the primary predator of possums in the eastern United States. These cats have sharp claws and teeth that help them to kill and eat the possums. In addition, their fur helps them to stay warm in cold climates, which is important since they live in areas such as the Appalachian Mountains.
Related Article: Do Bobcat Eat Turtles?
4. Coyotes
Scientific Name | Canis latrans |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America |
Diet | Omnivore |
Coyotes are common predators of possums. They typically hunt them by chasing them down and biting them in the neck. Coyotes can eat a lot of possums, sometimes up to 30% of their food intake.
5. Dingoes
Scientific Name | Canis lupus dingo |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
Dingoes are a type of wild dog that is found in Australia. They primarily prey on smaller animals, such as possums, but will also eat larger animals if they are available. Dingoes are known for their sharp teeth and claws, which help them to kill and eat their prey. In addition, they are very agile and can run quickly to catch their prey.
6. Dogs
Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Dogs are a type of domesticated animal that is kept as a pet by many people. While they can eat a variety of different things, dogs typically prefer to eat meat. This means that they will often prey on smaller animals, such as possums, in order to get their food.
7. Eagles
Scientific Name | Accipitridae |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
Eagles are a type of raptor that is found all over the world. They are known for their sharp talons and hooked beaks, which help them to kill and eat their prey. Eagles typically prey on larger animals, such as rabbits, deer, and possums. They are able to fly high into the air to spot their prey, and then swoop down to catch it. In addition, they are very strong and can carry large prey items back to their nest.
8. Eastern Screech Owl
Scientific Name | Megascops asio |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Eastern North America, Mexico, and Canada |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Eastern Screech Owl is a type of owl that is found in North America. They prey on a variety of small animals, including possums. These owls have very sharp talons which help them to kill their prey. In addition, they are nocturnal predators, meaning that they hunt at night. This helps them to avoid being seen by their prey.
9. Fennec Fox
Scientific Name | Vulpes zerda |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North Africa, and east to Sinai and Arabia |
Diet | Omnivore |
The Fennec Fox is a small fox that is found in North Africa and the Middle East. This animal is known for its large ears, which help it to stay cool in hot climates. The Fennec Fox preys on a variety of small animals, including possums. It has sharp teeth and claws that help it to kill and eat its prey. In addition, the Fennec Fox is very agile and can run quickly to catch its prey.
10. Feral Cats
Scientific Name | Felis catus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Urban areas and grasslands, including a restored prairie |
Diet | Carnivore |
Feral cats are domestic cats that have been abandoned or have become wild. They can be found in many different parts of the world, including North America and Australia. Feral cats are known for preying on small animals, such as possums.
11. Great Horned Owls
Scientific Name | Bubo virginianus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | United States, Alaska, southern Mexico, Central America, and South America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Great Horned Owl is a large owl that is found in North America. This owl is well-adapted to hunting prey that is both large and small. The Great Horned Owl has powerful talons that it uses to kill its prey, which includes possums.
12. Grey Fox
Scientific Name | Urocyon cinereoargenteus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Southern Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
The Grey Fox is a species of fox that is found in North America. This Fox is well-adapted to living in both rural and urban areas. One of the Grey Fox’s primary sources of food is the Virginia Opossum. In fact, the Grey Fox is one of the few predators that can take down an adult opossum.
13. Harris Hawk
Scientific Name | Parabuteo unicinctus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Semiopen desert lowlands, mesquite, saguaro, organ pipe cactus, savannah, and wetland habitats |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Harris Hawk is a raptor that is found in North and South America. This hawk is well-adapted to hunting prey in open areas. The Harris Hawk typically feeds on small animals, such as rodents and rabbits. However, the hawk will also eat opossums if they are available.
Related Article: Do Harris Hawk Eat Bats?
14. Merlin
Scientific Name | Falco columbarius |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | North America, Europe, northern Asia, Japan, and northeastern Russia |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Merlin is a small raptor that is found in North America. This raptor is well-adapted to hunting small prey, which includes the Virginia Opossum. The Merlin typically hunts by perching in a tree and waiting for an opportune moment to strike. When it spots a possum, the Merlin will dive down and catch it in its talons.
15. Mountain Lion
Scientific Name | Puma concolor |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Americas, southern Alaska, the southernmost tip of Chile in western South America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Mountain Lion is a large cat that is found in North and South America. This big cat is well-adapted to living in a variety of habitats, including forests and deserts. The Mountain Lion is a top predator and preys on a variety of animals, including possums.
16. Osprey
Scientific Name | Pandion haliaetus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Oceans, rivers, lakes, mangroves, coastal wetlands, lagoons, reefs, estuaries, and marshes |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Osprey is a large raptor that is found in North America. This bird of prey is well-adapted to hunting and eating fish. However, the Osprey will also eat other animals, including opossums. Opossums are an important part of Osprey’s diet, especially during the winter when other prey items are harder to find.
17. Pythons
Scientific Name | Python |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Asia, Africa, and Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
Pythons are a type of snake that is found in Africa, Asia, and North America. These snakes are known for their large size and for being constrictors. Pythons kill their prey by coiling around it and squeezing it until the animal suffocates. Possums are a common prey item for pythons, especially in areas where they are found in large numbers.
18. Raccoons
Scientific Name | Procyon lotor |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | US, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, and northernmost regions of South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
Raccoons are common mammals that are found in North America. These animals are well-adapted to living in both rural and urban areas. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat whatever is available to them. One of the raccoon’s primary sources of food is the Virginia Opossum. Raccoons are able to kill and eat opossums that are larger than they are.
19. Red Fox
Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
The Grey Fox is a medium-sized fox that is found in North America. This fox is well-adapted to living in forests and marshes. The Grey Fox primarily hunts small prey, such as rabbits and possums. The Grey Fox has sharp teeth and claws that it uses to kill its prey.
20. Red-Tailed Hawk
Scientific Name | Buteo jamaicensis |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Central America, and West Indies |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large raptor that is found in North America. This hawk is well-adapted to hunting a variety of prey, including small mammals like possums. The Red-tailed Hawk has sharp talons and a powerful beak that it uses to kill its prey. In addition, the hawk has keen eyesight that allows it to spot prey from a distance.
21. Rufous Owl
Scientific Name | Ninox rufa |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Rufous Owl is a small owl that is found in Central America and South America. This owl is well-adapted to hunting prey that is both large and small. The Rufous Owl has powerful talons that it uses to kill its prey, which includes possums.
22. Spotted-Tailed Quoll
Scientific Name | Dasyurus maculatus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Forests, woodlands, coastal heathlands, and rainforests |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Spotted-Tailed Quoll is a carnivorous marsupial that is found in Australia. This animal is the second largest predator in Australia, after the dingo. The Spotted-Tailed Quoll preys on a wide variety of animals, including possums.
23. Vultures
Scientific Name | Cathartes |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Africa, Asia, Europe, North, and South America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The turkey vulture is a large bird that is found in North America. This vulture is well-adapted to scavenging, which means that it eats dead animals. This vulture will eat possums if they are available.
24. Wolves
Scientific Name | Canis lupus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa |
Diet | Carnivore |
Wolves are predatory animal that is found in North America and Europe. Wolves typically prey on deer, but will also eat smaller animals such as possums. In addition to being predators, wolves are also scavengers and will eat carrion (dead animals). This makes the wolf an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to clean up the carcasses of dead animals.
Conclusion
Animals that eat possums The Fennec Fox, Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owl, and Red Fox are all animals that prey on possums. Eagles also prey on these small mammals as well. Dogs typically eat meat, but will sometimes kill a possum in order to get their food if they cannot find any other type of prey.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.