Posted by Jan Fowler on December 1, 2006

Q: I just discovered 2 very large possiums in my yard. One of the possiusm was sitting in my bird feeder basket eating the other was lounging on top of my fence. Is it ok to feed them. What do they like to eat cat food/dog food/people food? I do have two small dogs and only one barked at them. If the dogs cannot get to them will they come off the fence and attach my dogs? Also, if I leave food out for them will it draw mice or rats? I stood in the doorway and talked to them and the one on the fence turned its head and listened to me and did not move. The other looked up from eating and then continued eating. They finally left after I did not go away. They appeared to be about 20 lbs. How big do they get?

State: South Carolina

A: Sure, you can feed them if you wish, of course this will ensure that they visit your yard regularly. Opossums are omnivores so they eat a wide variety of plant and animal food - dog or cat food will be fine for them. Opossums are quite mild-mannered and won't bother your dogs. Food left out for these guys may attract other animals, including mice/rats, but my guess is that they'll clean up the food right after dark so there won't be much lying around for other animals anyway. If you do decide to feed them, be sure not to put out so much that it gets left in the bowl for long periods. My sources say that Opossums get up to about 14 pounds but I could believe a well-fed one might get a bit heavier than that. Some people are frightened by Opossums but they really aren't a problem for your pets or you. Opossums are inactive during the day and usually find a place to live in old Groundhog burrow, hollow tree or even under/in an old building. These animals don't hibernate but will be reasonably inactive during cold weather. Hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( December 1, 2006)