What Do Possums Eat in the Bush vs the Backyard?
One of the main reasons possums have adapted so well to life in Sydney’s suburbs is food. Whether in natural bushland or city backyards, possums are opportunistic feeders who will eat whatever is available. But their diet changes significantly depending on their environment.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a possum’s diet in the wild and in urban areas, what foods attract them to homes, and the risks of unhealthy feeding habits in city environments.
Natural Diet of Possums in the Wild
In their native bushland habitat, possums eat a wide range of plant-based foods. They are primarily herbivores, although they occasionally consume insects or small vertebrates for protein.
A wild possum’s diet typically includes:
- Native leaves (eucalyptus, wattle, melaleuca)
- Flowering blossoms and nectar
- Bark and fungi
- Native fruits and berries
- Occasional insects or bird eggs (more common in Brushtails)
Possums in the wild must travel and forage to meet their nutritional needs. This results in a leaner body type and more balanced energy levels than their urban counterparts.
What Possums Eat in Urban Areas
City life changes everything. With easy access to human food, urban possums develop very different eating habits — many of which aren’t healthy for them. Possums in Sydney suburbs are known to eat:
- Fruit from backyard trees (e.g., figs, mangoes, bananas)
- Vegetables and herbs from gardens
- Kitchen scraps from compost bins
- Pet food left out overnight
- Processed foods found in garbage or unsecured bins
This shift toward sugary, fatty, and high-carb foods can lead to obesity, dental issues, and shorter lifespans. It also makes possums more reliant on urban food sources and more likely to revisit properties where they find easy meals.
Easy access to pet food, compost, or garden fruit trees can encourage roof infestations. See what attracts possums to homes in detail.
Learn more about possum behaviour in cities in our article on urban adaptation of possums.
Species-Based Diet Differences
Not all possums eat the same way. The two most common species in Sydney — Brushtail and Ringtail Possums — have distinct dietary preferences:
Brushtail Possums
- More likely to consume meat-based protein (eggs, insects)
- Frequently raid compost bins and pet food bowls
- Will chew through fruit nets or roof tiles to reach food
Ringtail Possums
- Strictly herbivorous — mostly leaves, flowers, and fruit
- Prefer natural vegetation and are less likely to scavenge
- May feed on rose bushes, succulents, or ornamental plants
Learn more about each in our pages on the Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum.
Foods That Attract Possums to Your Home
If you’re wondering why possums keep visiting your backyard, chances are they’re finding something to eat. Possums are most attracted to:
- Unpicked fruit or fallen fruit under trees
- Open compost heaps or green bins
- Pet food bowls left outside overnight
- Bird feeders or unsecured rubbish bins
Reducing access to these food sources is key to discouraging repeat visits. Learn more on our what attracts possums page. Seasonal changes affect the availability of natural food sources, often driving possums toward residential areas. Explore how diet and behaviour shift throughout the year.
What Not to Feed Possums
Many people think feeding possums is a kind or helpful act — but it can do more harm than good. Processed human foods like bread, pasta, or sweets can:
- Cause digestive problems and malnutrition
- Lead to aggressive behaviour or dependence
- Result in imbalanced urban ecosystems
Feeding wildlife in NSW is strongly discouraged, and in some cases, illegal. Possums are better off foraging for natural foods — even in an urban setting.
Should You Plant Possum-Friendly Vegetation?
If you’re looking to support local wildlife without encouraging roof invasions, consider planting native vegetation away from your home. Possum-friendly plants include:
- Lilly pilly
- Grevillea
- Bottlebrush
- Paperbark (Melaleuca)
Planting these away from fences, powerlines, and roofs can help reduce their interest in entering your home while still supporting their diet.
Signs Possums Are Feeding on Your Property
Common indicators that a possum is feeding nearby include:
- Chewed fruit or missing produce
- Scattered scraps or pet food missing overnight
- Droppings near feeding sites
- Scratch marks on trees, fences, or bins
Learn to distinguish their markings in our guide to possum tracks and footprints.
Need Help Managing Possum Activity?
If possums are damaging your garden or feeding in areas they shouldn’t, our team can help with humane deterrents and prevention strategies. We offer free inspections across Sydney to identify what’s attracting them and how to safely manage their presence.
Book your free possum diet and behaviour assessment or call 0468 166 733 to speak with a local expert today.
