Can I legally own a possum?

Can I legally own a possum?

It’s illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they’re old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. They’re wild animals who don’t fare well often in captivity.

Can opossums make good pets?

Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as an exotic pet. They are very good pets for beginners because of their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, generally friendly creatures with easy care requirements, and they certainly are cute!

Why is it illegal to relocate a possum?

It is illegal to trap possums and release them away from your property. Possums are highly territorial so relocating them elsewhere will only result in the released animal being attacked by possums already in the area. It may also spread disease if the animal is sick.

Is it bad to have a possum living in your backyard?

If there is an opossum in the backyard, don’t worry. They aren’t a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while. But far from being a nuisance, opossums can be beneficial for your garden, eating snails, slugs, insects and sometimes even small rodents.

Why do possums have such a short lifespan?

The opossum has an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years. This short lifespan is due in part to the presence of many predators including dogs, cats and people. The opossum does not hang upside down by the tail, a common misconception. The opossum also has opposable thumbs on its hind feet for holding onto branches.

Do opossums like to cuddle?

Opossums appear to be friendly and cute animals and many people might want them as their pets. At first, the animal can adapt to living with people. It may even cuddle and form a relationship with you.

Do possums like to snuggle?

He has favorite toys … he loves to snuggle up and hang out with his family … and he’s ALWAYS excited when it’s time to eat.

Will possums come back after relocation?

If you don’t address the original reason you have opossums on the property, new ones will just keep coming, no matter how many you trap and remove. Relocating the possum after you have trapped it doesn’t necessarily work. The possum will find its way back; problem not solved.

Can a injured opossum respond to prodding?

The opossum will not respond to prodding or poking. When the opossum is about to recover, the ears move very slightly. Rehabilitation is possible, please do your part to help.

Is it true that possums Hunt and eat rats?

Yeah, possums hunt and eat rats contrary to what most people believe. If you have had a possum living in your backyard, you might have felt the difference in rodent population at your place. Though possums eat rats, that does not mean they fancy hunting and killing them. Possums only kill a rat if it is starving or the rat becomes an aggressor.

Is it illegal to kill an orphaned opossum?

Orphaned or Injured Opossum. In general, it is illegal to do so unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. More importantly, you may cause the opossum harm or death if you do not know what you are doing. Contact your local Opossum Society of the United States (OSUS) member, wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian,…

Where do opossums live in the United States?

This is because pet opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. They are found in North, South and Central America, but mainly in the North. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA.