How to get rid of an opossum den in Vermont | Opossum

How to get rid of an opossum den

Wait until the opossum leaves its den in the evening. If you don’t see the opossum leave, you can use a soft plug (e.g., loose pile of dirt, leaves, wadded up newspaper, etc.) in the opening to be sure the opossum has left for the evening.

If the opossum won’t leave on its own, you can attempt eviction by frightening (loud music under the shed, bright lights, etc.) or with commercial odor repellents (check use labels).

Check the den for young that may have fallen off their mother or been left behind.

Once you are sure the den is empty, cover openings with sturdy galvanized wire or hardware cloth attached to the lower edge and then buried underground, slanting outward one to two feet.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Vermont

Furbearing animals doing damage

In Vermont, landowners can legally protect their property from damage caused by rabbits and furbearing animals through lethal means. Anyone receiving compensation for trapping furbearers doing damage must hold a valid Vermont trapping license.

Possession of Wildlife

It is illegal to possess living, wild animals in Vermont. A furbearing animal can only be possessed when moving the animal to a more appropriate place for dispatch. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10APPENDIX/001/00044

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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