How to remove an opossum from my house and prevent them from entering in Vermont | Opossum

How to remove an opossum from my house and prevent them from entering

Opossums occasionally enter homes through open doors and pet doors. If this occurs, close off access to all other rooms in the house and open doors to the outside. You might assist the opossum in finding the open door by setting up barriers or “guiding” it using a broom. Close and lock the pet door to prevent further intrusion.

To trap an opossum, use box or cage traps (7-inch x 7-inch x 24-inch) and bait them with cat food, fish, fruit, or marshmallows.

Alternatively, an opossum is relatively easy to corner in an enclosed area. While wearing thick gloves, capture it with a hand net or catch pole.

Opossums will usually relax (play dead) when restrained. Wearing thick gloves, grasp the opossum by the back of the neck or along the back. Place it in a cage or pet carrier or walk it outside for release.

Call a local Wildlife Damage Control operator if you need assistance.

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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