Should I trap and relocate opossums? in West Virginia | Opossum

West Virginia > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Opossum

Transport and release of opossums is illegal in most states and is not recommended because survival of released animals is often severely reduced and can result in the creation of new problems near the release locations.

Opossums are not particularly wary and are relatively easy to live trap. Use box or cage traps (7-inch x 7-inch x 24-inch) and bait them with cat food, fish, fruit, or marshmallows. Set traps at dusk, near dens or in areas frequented by problem opossums.

Animal-proof any opening that may provide escape refuge prior to releasing trapped opossums on your property. Cover openings with sturdy galvanized wire or hardware cloth attached to the lower edge and buried underground, slanting outward one to two feet.

Very young opossums stay in the female's pouch, but, when older, cling to her back or remain close by. Anyone trapping during the breeding seasons should check for young that may have fallen off or been left behind. Either delay trapping until young are independent enough to be trapped or ensure the entire litter can be removed.

For assistance in resolving human-wildlife conflicts involving opossums contact a licensed wildlife control operator in your area.

Assistance in West Virginia

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for a list of licensed Animal Damage Control agents in your area who can assist with animal removal, damage, damage prevention, and clean up. Be aware that they charge for their services. Your local Division of Natural Resources office can provide guidance regarding nuisance wildlife. They can also provide you with a permit to remove or destroy certain animals, and advice on how to do so, if it is necessary or desirable for you to trap or shoot animals yourself. Federally protected species require additional permits as noted if necessary.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district offices:

District 1 Farmington 304 825-6787

District 2 Romney 304 822-3551

District 3 French Creek 304 924-6211

District 4 Beckely 304 256-6947

District 5 Alum Creek 304 756-1023

District 6 Parkersburg 304 420-4550

Op Center Elkins 304 637-0245

Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched. They may not be relocated without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for West Virginia

Trapping, Shooting, Keeping in Captivity, and Moving Wildlife Trapping, Keeping in Captivity, and Moving Wildlife in West Virginia In West Virginia, it is illegal to trap or shoot nuisance wild animals without a nuisance wildlife permit. No permit is needed for game animals and furbearers during legal harvest seasons by hunting/trapping license holders using legal means. It is illegal to keep wild animals in captivity. It is illegal to move wild animals from one location to another without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

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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Should I trap and relocate opossums? in West Virginia | Opossum

Should I trap and relocate opossums?

Assistance in West Virginia