If you’ve ever caught a possum rummaging around your New York yard, your first instinct might be to show it the door. But don’t jump the gun. These furry foragers play an important role in keeping pests and ticks at bay, and in some cases, they’re protected by law.
Before you set a trap or call animal control, it pays to learn the ropes. A little know-how now can keep you out of legal trouble and help your backyard stay balanced.
1. Possums Are Protected Wildlife In New York State
New York law treats possums as protected wildlife, which means you cannot simply trap or remove them without proper authorization. The Department of Environmental Conservation regulates how these animals can be handled.
Breaking these rules could result in hefty fines or legal consequences. Most homeowners need to contact licensed wildlife professionals who have the permits and training to relocate possums legally.
Always check current regulations before attempting any removal on your own.
2. They Actually Help Control Pest Populations
Possums eat thousands of ticks every season, making them valuable allies in fighting Lyme disease. A single possum can consume up to 5,000 ticks in one season, which dramatically reduces the risk of tick-borne illnesses in your New York neighborhood.
Beyond ticks, they also munch on insects, snails, and even small rodents that might damage your garden. Having a possum around might actually solve more problems than it creates.
Consider the benefits before deciding to remove them.
3. Relocation Often Leads To Animal Death
Moving a possum to an unfamiliar area sounds humane, but it often ends badly for the animal. Possums have established territories with known food sources and safe shelter spots they rely on for survival.
When dropped in strange territory, they face competition from other possums, struggle to find food, and become vulnerable to predators. Studies show that relocated wildlife has much lower survival rates than those left in place.
Exclusion methods work better than relocation for everyone involved.
4. Possums Rarely Carry Rabies
Many people fear possums because they worry about rabies, but these marsupials have a remarkably low body temperature that makes rabies virus survival nearly impossible. Their body runs cooler than most mammals, creating an environment where the virus cannot thrive effectively.
Documented cases of rabid possums in New York are extremely rare compared to raccoons, bats, or skunks. While any wild animal deserves cautious respect, possums pose minimal rabies risk.
Focus your health concerns on other wildlife species instead.
5. Professional Removal Services Are Required By Law
New York regulations mandate that only licensed nuisance wildlife control operators can legally trap and relocate possums. Homeowners who attempt DIY removal risk breaking state wildlife laws, even with good intentions.
Licensed professionals understand proper handling techniques, know where animals can be legally released, and carry insurance for any problems. The cost of hiring experts is much less than potential fines for illegal wildlife handling.
Always verify a professional’s license before hiring them for removal work.
6. Simple Exclusion Methods Work Best
Preventing possums from entering your New York property beats removal every time. Seal crawl spaces, secure garbage cans with tight lids, and remove outdoor pet food before nighttime when possums are most active.
Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers that startle possums without harming them. Trim tree branches that provide easy roof access, and repair any holes in fences or foundation walls.
Making your property less attractive encourages possums to move along naturally without legal complications.
7. Breeding Season Requires Extra Caution
Female possums carry babies in their pouches from late winter through early summer. Removing a mother during this time can orphan helpless joeys who cannot survive alone.
Baby possums stay with their mothers for several months, first in the pouch and later clinging to her back. Separating families causes unnecessary suffering and increases mortality rates for young possums.
Wait until babies are independent before considering any removal, or consult professionals who understand breeding cycles and timing.
8. Temporary Visitors Usually Move On Quickly
Possums are nomadic creatures that rarely stay in one spot for long periods. Most possum sightings in New York involve animals just passing through your yard while searching for food or better shelter elsewhere.
Unlike raccoons that establish long-term dens, possums typically move every few days. Patience often solves your possum problem naturally without any intervention needed.
Give them a week or two before taking action, and you might discover they have already wandered off to explore other neighborhoods on their own.