Trapping Opossums
Trapping and relocating an opossum several miles away seems an appealing method of resolving a conflict because it is perceived as giving the animal a second chance in a new home. Unfortunately, in addition to being illegal moving opossums often will not solve the original problem.
It is legal to trap an opossum, and then release the animal at the site of capture. With this option, the opossum is trapped and released on site after its reentry into a structure is prevented by physical exclusion. This method is not recommended by Animal Evictor for many reasons
In such a case, the opossum is evicted within its home range and because it is familiar with its surroundings, it can soon find suitable food and shelter. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring.
A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else’s attic, chimney, or similar place. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart opossum, making its capture difficult.
If an opossum needs to be trapped, use a single- or double-door type live trap that measures 11 x 11 x 36 inches. You can rent these traps from your local Animal Evictor Bait with cracked boiled eggs, sliced apples or other fruit, or vegetables to prevent attracting cats or small dogs. Place the trap where the animal, or evidence of the animal has been seen.
It is legal to trap an opossum, and then release the animal at the site of capture. With this option, the opossum is trapped and released on site after its reentry into a structure is prevented by physical exclusion. This method is not recommended by Animal Evictor for many reasons
In such a case, the opossum is evicted within its home range and because it is familiar with its surroundings, it can soon find suitable food and shelter. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring.
A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else’s attic, chimney, or similar place. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart opossum, making its capture difficult.
If an opossum needs to be trapped, use a single- or double-door type live trap that measures 11 x 11 x 36 inches. You can rent these traps from your local Animal Evictor Bait with cracked boiled eggs, sliced apples or other fruit, or vegetables to prevent attracting cats or small dogs. Place the trap where the animal, or evidence of the animal has been seen.
This information was provided by the Washington State Department of fish and Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist
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