Do you have a possum problem in your backyard? Does it seem like they are multiplying by the day? If so, then you might be wondering if there is any way to get rid of them. In this blog post, we will answer that question Can I shoot possums in my backyard?
No, you can not shoot a possum in your backyard. While you may not be able to shoot a possum in your backyard, that doesn’t mean you can’t get rid of nuisance animals. Removing food availability and trapping are options but possums have protected status species so you can not shoot them.
While that is the simple answer there may possibly be times when you can take out your gun. However, we need to dig a little deeper into the subject to make sure you stay on the right side of the law.
Legal Issues With Shooting Possums In The Backyard
While it might seem like a quick and easy solution to the problem, shooting possums in your backyard is not legal. Possums are protected under federal law that prohibits them from being hunted or killed without an appropriate license. Ever since they were added to the list of federally-protected animals back in 1967, there have been no licenses issued for hunting possums.
The only way to kill a possum legally is by using traps or poisons that have been approved for use on the species, which might not be practical if you’re just trying to get rid of one in your backyard. If you find yourself with an overwhelming number of them and need to take action, then call pest control specialists to help.
Can I shoot possum in my backyard? The answer is no, at least not without a license for hunting that’s approved by the federal government and they don’t offer any of those for killing them! If you have an overwhelming number of them then call pest control specialists instead. Possums are federally
There are some states that allow the hunting of possum during a hunting season, but it’s not legal to kill them just because you have a problem with them in your backyard.
Nuisance Animals
If you are a farmer or are finding that possums are causing you a nuisance then you need to contact your local exterminator.
They or you will need to apply for a nuisance permit from the state’s wildlife agency before they can get rid of them.
If you’re not a farmer or raising livestock, then contact your local animal control office and ask about possum trapping services in your area.
They’ll help with trying to figure out how many possums are around so that they know if it is an emergency or not.
If there are more than three possums in your backyard, then it is an emergency situation and they need to be removed immediately!
Considering Shooting Possums My Tips
Identifying what animal you have in your backyard is critical to solving the problem. The laws are very different for other nuisance backyard animals.
To spot you have a possum problem you need to look out for the signs of a possum.
There are three main indicators that you have a problem with possums:
- Possums will leave “tracks” in the snow, which are leaves they’re carrying around or poop from an earlier hunt. These tracks can be seen on your backyard’s lawn rather than other animal tracks because of their size and shape. Possums have an opposable thumb on their hindfoot and five toes on both front and rear paws.
- Possums have a tendency to eat from bird feeders, so if you’ve noticed that the food is diminishing or has disappeared entirely, it’s possible that they’re eating the seed. You might also find seeds and/or droppings on your roof near vents where possums are coming in.
- You will find droppings inside the house or in your backyard as well and they’re not always easy to spot because of their size. They look like a large ball with hair on it that you might step on if you don’t notice them right away. If you find them inside, make sure to clean them up immediately.
Possums are often secretive and will likely be far up in a tree if they spot you first. They’re also excellent climbers, so don’t give up looking for them!
Playing Possum
You may have heard of the phrase “playing possum.” People say this when they pretend to be dead in order to escape a dangerous situation.
Possums have a tendency to play dead as well, often curling up and going completely motionless. If you disturb them or make loud noises near their nest. They will also emit foul-smelling fluids from glands on their mouth and anus if they feel threatened.
Possums are not aggressive by nature but will defend themselves when attacked or cornered. They’re also known to carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. If you do encounter a possum in your backyard as it’s searching for food make sure that no one goes near it and call Animal Control for help.
Preventing A Possum Problem
As we know now that we can not shoot a possum we still need to rid ourselves of this problem animal. Prevention is the best form of protection.
The following are a few tips on how to keep possums away from your property:
- Keep garbage in sealed containers or bags until disposal day. Possums will feed off of anything left outside and this includes the stench coming from decaying food waste as well as fresh produce that may have been placed out for trash picking scavengers.
- Possums will also feed on pet food left outside. Keep pet bowls in a dry and contained area like the house or garage to avoid any unwanted visitors.
- Heavily trim back shrubs and bushes in your yard so that there’s no place a possum can make its den. By doing this, the animal will be forced to look elsewhere for food which is much easier for you if they are on someone else’s property.
- Make sure chicken coops or any other area where they may be living are sealed. This will keep them from finding a place to live and feed off of your animals.
- Do not let dogs or cats roam unattended in the backyard at night as possums can carry rabies. Which is transmitted through bites, scratches, and saliva contact with an infected animal. The last thing you want is for one of your pets to get sick with rabies
Adding a chimney cap will prevent them from nesting in the chimney and will keep them from entering your home. If all this fails you may need to consider trapping them.
How to trap possum?
Trapping possum can be frustrating and time-consuming. You need to bait the trap with something that they like, such as fruit or nuts. So it will smell enticing to them when they come close enough for the door of the cage to shut behind them. A live trap is best because you have a better chance of catching one alive. If they are not as wary of the trap.
Since possums have a very keen sense of smell. You should set traps around your property in places they will most likely cross paths with them. The more bait or lure you leave near the trap, the better chance it’ll work!
Some people may try to discourage an animal by using a device called a sonic or ultrasonic animal repellent. These devices produce high-frequency sounds that are undetectable to the human ear. But have an irritating effect on animals such as possums, rats, and raccoons.
You can also try using small amounts of ammonia. Which is known for its offensive smell to most mammals when diluted in water. That being said, it may be a good idea to place the ammonia in some type of container. That will break or tip over when an animal step on or near it as well. This way you’ll know they’ve been there and can plan accordingly!
The best course of action is always prevention. These animals are attracted to residential areas because they are looking for food, water, and shelter. The best thing to do is to make sure these resources are not available or scarce in your yard.
Conclusion About Possums In Your Yard
Possums are an interesting animal to come across. They act as a kind of service for the environment by scavenging and can even help keep other wildlife away so they avoid getting into trouble!
Possums are an interesting animal to come across. They act as a kind of service for the environment by scavenging and can even help keep other wildlife away so they avoid getting into trouble!
However, they can be a nuisance and there are many things you’ll want to do in order to keep them from coming into your yard.
The question of whether or not you can shoot a possum in your backyard is one that varies depending on the laws of the municipality, county, and state.
However, if this pesky animal has been encroaching upon your property too often. There are some things you should be doing to deter them from coming back again. Such as making it less appealing for these animals by removing any food sources. They may have found within close proximity to their nest including fruit trees with overripe fallen fruits etcetera.