An In-Depth Look At Possum Laws In Texas: What You Need To Know

Texas is known for its wide open spaces, rugged individualism, and independent spirit. This free-wheeling attitude extends to its wildlife laws, which are much more relaxed compared to many other states.

If you’ve ever wondered about the rules around trapping, keeping or getting rid of pesky possums in Texas, read on to learn everything you need to know.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It is legal to trap and kill possums on your property in Texas without a permit. Possums are not protected wildlife in the state. However, there are regulations around acceptable trapping methods and dealing with possum carcasses that residents should be aware of.

Possums Are Considered Nuisance Wildlife in Texas

In the Lone Star State, possums are not protected by any laws and are considered a nuisance animal that homeowners are free to trap or kill on their property. Here’s what you need to know about possum regulations in Texas:

No regulations around trapping or killing possums

Unlike game animals or endangered species, there are no hunting seasons, bag limits, or restrictions around trapping or killing possums in Texas. Homeowners are free to use any legal trapping or killing method, including live traps, body-gripping traps, snares, shooting, or poisoning.

Possums found living under sheds, decks or in attics can be legally removed or killed year-round without any permits. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department classifies possums as “unprotected nongame wildlife” so they can be taken at any time if they are causing problems.

While ethically controversial, it is also legal in Texas to kill possums simply for entering your yard, even if they have not caused any damage. However, many wildlife advocates urge only using lethal control as a last resort for truly problematic possums.

Exceptions for state and federal lands

The one exception is on state or federally owned land and parks, such as state parks or national wildlife refuges. Here, trapping or hunting wildlife like possums is restricted and requires appropriate licenses and permits.

But for private property and unincorporated land, possums have no protections under Texas law. Homeowners are free to deal with nuisance possums as they see fit, without any season, bag limit or permit requirements.

While possums may look cute, they can cause issues like digging up gardens, raiding trash, and moving into attics. But before turning to lethal control, it’s best to try deterrents like lighting and noise to humanely drive away unwanted possums on your property.

Acceptable Methods for Trapping Possums

Overview of legal trapping devices

In Texas, there are several types of traps that can be legally used to capture possums, including live traps, body gripping traps, and foothold traps (reference). Live traps designed to trap possums alive and unharmed are the most humane options.

Examples of acceptable live traps include box traps and cage traps. All traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours.

Banned traps and restrictions

Certain traps are banned for trapping possums in Texas, including snares, deadfall traps, and punt guns. Traps cannot be placed on public land or roads without proper permits. Additionally, it is illegal to disturb the dens of furbearing animals like possums. Cruel trapping methods are prohibited.

Checking traps regularly

It is crucial to check any traps regularly, at least once every 24 hours, when trying to trap possums. This helps ensure captured animals do not languish or perish in the traps. Traps should be placed away from roads and paths to avoid catching domestic pets.

The best times to set possum traps are during dawn or dusk hours when they are most active. Baits like canned cat food, pet food or fruit work well.

When trapping possums in Texas, following all laws and checking traps regularly ensures both humaneness and safety. Being informed on legal trap types and best practices helps residents deal with nuisance possums effectively.

What to Do With Captured or Dead Possums

Releasing live possums

If you have captured a live possum on your property, the best and most humane option is to release it. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, possums are docile creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. As such, it is usually safe to transport and release a trapped opossum.

Be sure to release the opossum at least 5 miles from where it was captured to prevent it from returning.

When releasing a live possum, follow these tips from the Texas Humane Legislation Network:

• Use thick gloves for protection when handling the animal
• Place the possum in a cardboard box with air holes punched in it
• Transport the box to a rural wooded area at least 5 miles away
• Only release the possum at night when it is active and can find its way

Releasing possums humanely allows them to live out their lives without harming them. As possums are a protected species in Texas, this is the ideal outcome.

Proper disposal of carcasses

If you have trapped a dead possum or found a possum carcass on your property, proper disposal is important. According to Texas health and safety code, you cannot bury or burn possum carcasses on private residential property.

Instead, you must dispose of possum remains through appropriate channels such as:

• Contracting a waste disposal company to remove the carcass
• Double bagging the carcass and placing it in your household trash collection
• Contacting municipal animal control services to collect the remains

Leaving possum carcasses to decompose on your property can lead to the spread of diseases and unpleasant odors. Make sure to wear protective gloves when handling deceased possums. It is also against Texas law to skin or harvest fur from any dead fur-bearing animals you did not trap yourself.

Eating possum meat – is it legal?

While some people assume possum meat is unsafe, it is actually legal to trap and eat possums in Texas. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations:

• Possums are classified as nongame animals that can be hunted and trapped year-round with few restrictions
• You need a valid Texas hunting license with a nongame permit to legally harvest possums
• There are no bag limits on the number of possums you can harvest

So trapping or hunting possums for meat is above board. However, some precautions should be taken. The CDC advises thoroughly cooking possum meat to at least 165°F to kill bacteria and parasites. Wearing gloves when handling and cleaning possum carcasses is also recommended.

Overall, cooking and eating legally harvested possum meat poses minimal risk.

According to a recent survey by Texas A&M University^[1], over 25% of rural Texans have tried eating possum meat at least once. So while it may seem unconventional, possum harvesting for food has a long history in Texas.

When Possums May Pose a Rabies Risk

Signs of rabies in possums

Rabid possums may display unusual behavior like daytime activity, no fear of humans or pets, and aggression. Specific signs to watch out for include:

• Disorientation or stumbling
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Unprovoked aggression or attacking without being harmed first

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, less than 1% of tested possums have been found with rabies. Still, it’s crucial to watch for concerning signs, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Reporting rabid animals to authorities

If you spot a possum exhibiting potential rabies symptoms, contact your local animal control, health department, or Texas Parks and Wildlife right away. Give details on the location, behavior, and condition of the animal.

Trained professionals will then investigate and capture the possum if a rabies risk seems likely.

In some cases, the possum may be euthanized and tested for rabies if showing clear signs. Reporting wildlife early allows tracking of rabies spread and alerts officials to target high-risk areas for education and vaccination efforts.

Getting pets vaccinated

Vaccinating dogs, cats, ferrets, and select livestock against rabies is required by law in most Texas counties and cities. Keep the vaccine updated per your veterinarian’s recommendations, usually every 1-3 years depending on the product used.

Even indoor pets can encounter wildlife through open doors or windows. So rabies vaccination protects your pet’s health and reduces the risk of rabies transmission from your pet to other animals or even humans.

Additionally, counties may require a longer 6-12 month quarantine period for pets without a current rabies vaccine who bite or scratch someone. But vaccinated pets usually only quarantine for 10 days. So staying up to date on your pet’s rabies vaccine saves time and worry if any incidents occur.

Excluding Possums from Your Property Humanely

Sealing entry points

One of the best ways to keep possums off your property is by sealing any areas where they could gain access. This includes blocking holes or cracks in your home’s foundation, roof, attic, and exterior walls.

You’ll also want to check areas like open chimneys, loose vents, and gaps around pipes or wiring entrances. Use materials like steel wool, wire mesh, caulk, wood, or cement to plug up holes larger than 4 inches across, as possums can fit into very tight spaces.

In addition to sealing up your house, you may need to make modifications to sheds or garages. Close any openings in doors or walls, and make sure doors shut tightly when closed. Removing sources of shelter makes your property much less inviting to possums looking for a place to nest.

Removing food attractants

Possums have adapted well to living in close proximity to humans, largely due to their ability to take advantage of food sources around homes and populated areas. To make your yard less attractive, remove any outdoor pet food, fallen fruit from trees, open compost piles, and trash cans that are easily accessible.

Anything that provides an easy meal will likely draw possums back again and again.

You should also avoid feeding wildlife intentionally. Many people enjoy putting out bird seed, but this can attract possums too. Make sure any bird feeders are inaccessible to possums and other mammals.

Using lights and sounds

Possums prefer dark and quiet areas, so introducing lights and sounds can discourage them from frequenting your yard. Motion-sensor lights will cause sudden illumination that startles possums. You can also install sprinklers set on timers or triggered by motion sensors to scare them away.

Playing talk radio or music around your yard provides background noise that makes possums uncomfortable. Just be sure any electronic devices are safe for outdoor use. Changing the sounds and location regularly will prevent possums from getting used to them.

Employing natural repellents

Certain smells and substances are unpleasant or irritating to possums and can act as natural repellents if used strategically around your property. Some options to try include:

• Ammonia or vinegar – Soak rags or cotton balls and place near unwanted animal entry points or dens.
• Cayenne pepper – Spread powder around gardens, compost piles, and potential nesting areas.
• Predator urine – Look for fox or coyote urine at garden centers or hardware stores and spray it around the perimeter of your yard.
• Moth balls or flakes – Place them around entry points or tuck them under porches or steps.

Be sure to reapply these repellents frequently, especially after heavy rains. Combining several deterrents together will give you the best chance of successfully encouraging possums to avoid areas of your yard.

Conclusion

In summary, Texas residents have a lot of leeway when it comes to managing pesky possums on their property. It is legal to trap and kill possums without a permit, as long as humane methods are used and any carcasses are properly disposed of.

However, it is also worthwhile trying exclusion and deterrence methods first before resorting to trapping or killing. With some knowledge of Texas possum regulations and wildlife-friendly prevention tactics, homeowners can humanely and legally reduce nuisance possums on their premises.