Short answer: it’s possible, but not usually likely.
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. They will eat whatever they can find that is edible to them. But, they will usually go for whatever is easiest to come by and will definitely scavenge for trash and carrion.
Possums like to hunt for bugs and worms. Although they have been caught killing chickens, they are more likely to be after chicks and eggs than adults.
With their sharp claws and teeth, opossums are certainly capable of killing a rabbit. A rabbit in a cage is vulnerable because it cannot run away.
To keep your bunny safe make sure that the cage wire is strong and securely fastened. A possum can fit through a hole less than 3 inches in diameter, so make sure there are no holes of that size in your cage or hutch.
Better yet, have your cages or hutches housed in a secure location, such as a garage or barn, so that your bunnies have an extra layer of protection. Sometimes predators, including possums, will chew toes off of rabbits even if they can’t get into the cage.
What Animal Eats a Rabbit?
Rabbits are prey animals and small ones at that. Most predators will eat them given the chance.
Here is a list of some common predators that like to feast on rabbits:
Dogs and Cat
Common predators of pet rabbits are other pets! Dogs are especially dangerous to rabbits.
Cats are capable of killing rabbits and, while not all cats are interested, you should be aware of this possibility, especially with small breeds or young rabbits.
Raccoons
Raccoons can and do eat rabbits. They are smart and strong and can open cage doors or pry up wire. If you have raccoons in your area you must have locks on cage doors and preferably have your cages inside a sturdy building.
Foxes
Rabbits are a staple food for foxes in the wild and domestic rabbits are on their menu too. If you live in an area where there are foxes make sure you have a very sturdy cage or hutch.
Hawks and Owls
If your rabbits are free-range or in an open yard make sure they have plenty of cover such as bushes, hutches, and other covered areas to hide in for protection.
If hawks or owls and other flying predators are an ongoing problem, or if occasional cover is not adequate to protect your outdoor rabbits you’ll need to buy or build a covered run to keep them safe.
Stoats, Ferrets, and Weasels
These tiny carnivores can take down prey much bigger than themselves, can fit through the tiniest of openings, and must eat a LOT every day because of their fast metabolisms.
Keeping your rabbits indoors or in a tight wooden hutch is the only way to keep them safe from these predators.
Big Cats
Big wild cats also eat rabbits. Cougars, bobcats, and lynx are all possible predators to watch out for, depending on where you live.
Snakes
Snakes are carnivores and rabbits make an ideal meal for larger types of snakes. Obviously, pythons and boa constrictors are a danger to your fluffy friends but watch out for rattlesnakes, king snakes, and gopher snakes as well.
To keep your rabbit safe from snakes make sure the cage or hutch is raised 3 feet off the ground and has a sturdy wooden bottom. If snakes are a problem in your area you’ll need to cover all openings larger than ¼ inch with hardware cloth.
What Animal Would Kill Baby Bunnies?
Possums, skunks, gopher snakes, and any of the above predators. Possums are more likely to kill baby bunnies than adults because of their size. The same goes for skunks and gopher snakes.
Keep your hutches well-secured, especially at night.
What Animal Would Kill a Rabbit but Not Eat it?
Sometimes predators will kill a prey animal and leave most of it behind. Usually, when this happens the head of the animal is missing, having been taken away by the predator in question.
Raccoons are notorious for killing many chickens at once (sometimes an entire coop full!) and taking only the heads. They will do this with bunnies and other small prey as well.
Other possibilities for this type of behavior are owls, crows, ferrets or weasels, and cats.
If the rabbit has been killed and no body parts are missing, it was probably a pet dog or cat. Sometimes when domesticated predators kill prey they don’t actually know what to do with it. Some cats retain the instinct to eat their kill and others don’t.
Securing the Hutch
Especially if your rabbit quarters are outdoors you will need some good security measures to keep them safe from predators.
Bolts at both the top and bottom corners of the door are a much better bet than a central bolt or a non-locking latch. If you are dealing with especially dexterous predators, i.e. raccoons, or strong ones, a bolt that accommodates a padlock is a good idea.
Do not use chicken wire, it is much too flimsy to keep predators out. Instead, use good-quality welded mesh with holes no larger than ½ inch.
Check on Your Rabbits Daily
You’re already feeding your rabbits and checking on their water every day, so take that time to make an inspection of their living quarters as well. Look closely for any loose boards or wires and make sure all is secure.
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