This subchapter, "Regulation of Keeping of Wild Animals," authorizes counties to regulate keeping certain wild animals in unincorporated portions of the county. If you can, try to keep the opossum in the area you found it, as moving it will drastically reduce its chances of survival. They have an eclectic diet and will eat both plants and animals, including rodents, young rabbits, birds, insects, crustaceans, frogs, fruits and berries, and vegetables. The opossum has more teeth than any other native animal and while the display of fifty tiny sharp pointed teeth can be intimidating, opossums almost always lose in a fight. Possums love fruits. In case you encounter such a situation, make sure that you check for the laws and restrictions in your area. In Texas, these include skunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels, among many others. So if you had your heart set on having a pet opossum, you should look into other options. Do Possums Have a Taste for Chicken Eggs? The Opossum are an omnivore leaning towards carnivore and will eat almost anything. They additionally have brilliant dexterity, making them capable of opening drawers, shelves, and different things they should not. Capybara. You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. And how to capitalize on that? Hence, your enclosure needs to be break out-proof, like an aquarium with a solid mesh top. (b)A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: (1)tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury All lake rangers are Texas state-licensed peace officers with a vast range of experience in law enforcement. 71.001. How are we doing? These programs offer a great way to learn more about the species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Or a possum they haven't figured out how to remove. with the generation of electricity, or natural gas delivery. Question: Can I keep an opossum as a pet in the state of Texas? Current as of April 14, 2021 | Updated by FindLaw Staff. However, if you still want to pet a Possum, consider the following tips: Yes, it is illegal to keep an exotic animal with you without any wildlife permit. Manage My Subscriptions, archive Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations for the division for nongame and rare species. While it can be tempting to keep an opossum as a pet, its important to remember that they are wild animals and need to be treated as such. Can you keep a possum in the house as a pet. You could consider rehabilitating or adopting a possum, or even just enjoying them from a distance. Remember, not every state is the same and when it comes to the law, certain states are more liberal and open minded compared to others. Texas Department of State Health Services regulations related to control of zoonosis, which are diseases transmissible between animals and humans. This lakehouse on Possum Kingdom Lake sits on 2.94 acres of land overlooking the water. These are wild creatures, so generally, they do not make nice pets and arent always a prison to the house. For this, you would need a fur bearing permit which are not easy to get. and includes an attempt to take. Other large pythons that are legal include African rock pythons, Burmese pythons, and anacondas. For instance, Possums arent naturally dangerous but if you exposed them to other pets then they could bite. FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Consider volunteering in possum rehabilitation centers or donating to organizations that care for and research these animals. The center can then work to rehabilitate the animal and return it to the wild. LEGAL STATUS The California Fish and Game Code classifies opossums as nongame mammals. In Missouri, you can keep an opossum as a pet, but the Virginia Opossum is considered a large carnivore, so large carnivore permitting is needed. They are nocturnal but are very social. (2)the person killed or injured the animal within the scope of the person's employment If youre looking for a way to interact with possums in Texas, consider rehabilitation or adoption. They will fight with each other if they are placed in an identical cage; they might even kill each other. So, if they did get the chance to escape then they would do so. Tiger King 2.0: Is a Texas Roadside Zoo Permissible? Because of their slower metabolism, they are not as susceptible to the venom. Adoption agencies can provide all the information you need to make sure you are well prepared to look after your new pet. State law provides some regulation of the types of wild animals that individuals may possess, keep as a pet, take for game hunting, sell, or propagate. This is something vital when thinking about possums as pets. What Does it Mean When a Possum Runs in Circles? . serious bodily injury to an animal; (3)fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal In Missouri, you can keep an opossum as a pet, but the Virginia opossum is considered a large carnivore, so large carnivore permitting is needed.In Nebraska, pet owners will need to acquire a . It is crucial to understand the law in order to ensure that you are staying within the legal boundaries. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals on Westlaw, Law Firm Tests Whether It Can Sue Associate for 'Quiet Quitting'. 31) was hitting .400/.500 . They will need a suitable, secure cage to live in because they are adept at escaping. Do Possums Eat Fleas and Ticks? When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? Opossum may be aesthetically challenged, but they are probably the single most important wild animal to your backyard ecology. However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. Its illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once theyre old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. Therefore, you can follow these steps if you want to raise a possum. electricity transmission or distribution, electricity generation or operations associated I was newly in love with a boy from Texas when I first visited Possum Kingdom Lake, a serpent-shaped reservoir 80 miles west of Fort Worth, in the summer of 2002. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. The pronghorn is capable of running 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles! Well never know if the opossum is grateful we are so messy or if they scurry around feeling harassed and under-appreciated. Will Biden's Student Loan Program Survive the Supreme Court. the person killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery; or. Its a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets. You can look into opossum adoption, which involves providing opossums with a permanent home in a safe and secure environment. For other information concerning hunting and fishing regulations, parks, wildlife or other subjects related to TPWD, call our toll-free number: (800) 792-GAME to report a violation of the state's game and fish laws. What are the Guidelines and Tips while owning Possums as Pets: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4-0'); When human beings think about getting a pet, dogs, and cats are some of the most famous alternatives around the world. Check with your city or county for more information about the laws in place in your area. Are there any permits to own Possums in Texas? Detailed Discussion of Texas Animal Cruelty Laws: IV. Short-tailed possums are from Brazil and function like a rat. If this happens, then they could return out of desperation. If you find a wild opossum, the best thing to do is call your local wildlife rescue center for help. convicted under Subsection (b)(1), (2), (7), or (8) or under Section 42.09. Also, exotic animal legal guidelines can change. Why does the second bowl of popcorn pop better in the microwave? They love to sleep in dark places. They are wild animals and are considered part of the natural wildlife in many states. 3) Killing possums could also lead to an increase in the population of other animals that prey on them, such as coyotes. What About Wild Animals? At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. This involves taking injured or orphaned possums, caring for them until they can be released back into the wild. The purpose of this article is to help uncover the truth about the legality of owning a possum as a pet in Texas. act of snaring, trapping, shooting, killing, or capturing by any means Can one claim unclaimed poultry living on their property? purchase, possess after purchase, or transport for commercial purposes At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is to respect the laws and regulations set in place to protect opossums and other wildlife. Assuming your locality does not ban wild animals entirely or opossums specifically (or both) to include both city and county, this may be the loophole for the Texas restriction on it being a fur-bearing animal, and as per the statute that regulates them you are able to take and possess them with a hunting license so long as it doesn't violate those stipulations. But what a pet proprietor needs to be aware of is if you can deal with the possum if they do get sick. two times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under Section 42.09. Thanks so much! a wild living creature previously captured. There is a test required, to be sure you know how to rehabilitate wild animals, plus a requirement for letters of support from conservationists, veterinarians or rehabilitators. Spellcaster Dragons Casting with legendary actions? They also eat beetles, ants, grasshoppers, grubs, earthworms, lizards, geckos, frogs and fresh carrion. Size: 3.48-4.40 feet in length. Public Use Areas; Waterfowl Hunting; . Adults attain a length of four to eight inches with a tail equaling the length of their body. For additional information, please contact the Zoonosis Control Division of the Texas Department of Health at (512) 458-7255. State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service, Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 822, Subchapter E, Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 240, Subchapter A, Animal Control Handbook: Wild Animals - Dangerous (p.16-18). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a Wildlife Services office. 7:00 AM on May 29, 2020 CDT. There is no existing "license to take and possess as a pet", but you could try under trapping licenses. However, if you took the Possum from the wild in the first place, they should still retain their natural hunting instincts. (6)Livestock animal has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. Possession of a possum as a pet can lead to criminal charges. However, their tails are bare. You could consider rehabilitating an opossum that has been injured or abandoned. You must first obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It is a Class C misdemeanor to transport or sell live foxes, coyotes and raccoons from, to, or within this state. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Contact the Texas office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture--Wildlife Services with concerns about nuisance wildlife. As the local wizard of employment law and litigation they come to you for help.Please offer a well reasoned and articulate discussion including the rationale for your arguments on the legal implications of the following scenario: Bohemus and Gomer were employed at the East Texas Possum Tail Soup plant. If you have found a possum in need of help, your best option is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help. and cookie statement. (936) 365-2201. They are highly affectionate, relatively clean, and generally very healthy. Hence, there can be regulations about exceptional animal possession in your area. People sometimes find possums and think of raising them. One option is to consider adoption. Whilst it doesnt specifically mention Possums, it does say Fur-bearing Propagation Permit does not authorize individuals to possess live fur-bearing animals as pets. If you are a wildlife rehabilitator who has already been caring for a possum, and you have made a commitment to that animal, you may be eligible to keep it. Because opossums are considered wildlife, keeping one as a pet is banned in most states. In terms of morals and Possum ownership, arguably it would be ok to adopt one for a while if it was young and wounded. Possums are native to Texas, but it is illegal to own one as a pet. In what states is it legal to have a pet opossum? A veterinarian will be able to help you figure out what kind of pet is best for you and your family. Next . Possum rehabilitation is an excellent option for those who want to help these animals. except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted It establishes crimes and penalties related to endangered species. Opossums have an omnivorous diet. Required fields are marked *. (c)An offense under Subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (6), or (9) is a Class A misdemeanor, The opossum, while not the most beautiful of animals is extremely beneficial to the environment. Check out the list of pets banned in every state.These 7 Pets Are Banned In Georgia. 20-24 inches in height. Natural habitat: Forests of South America, typically near bodies of water. its illegal in texas to kill me if you trapped me on your property. Your email address will not be published. You might want to make it clear that the statute you quote from is the same statute user6726 discusses in the first few sentences of his answer. Failing to provide food, care or shelter. Tethering Still, they are very social. Bats, wolves, and armadillos are specifically discussed. Can a rotating object accelerate by changing shape? The English phrase possum was first used for this opossum range. New external SSD acting up, no eject option, What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). 4. The only other way is to own them if you own an animal sanctuary. It is important to be aware of the legal implications before attempting to acquire a possum as a pet. This blog post, written by a Texas attorney, discusses the legality of owning exotic pets that are considered "dangerous wild animals." State law requires owners to pay for quarantine. And finally, you could look into wildlife watching programs that allow you to observe and interact with opossums in a safe, controlled environment. Females usually have two litters a year. Short-tailed possums live for approximately four-eight years. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Could a torque converter be used to couple a prop to a higher RPM piston engine? Unfortunately, people often mistake the hiss/growl and open mouth as aggressive and mistakenly worry that the opossum will injure their pets or children. Although opossums are considered wildlife, some states have no restrictions surrounding pet ownership of wild animals. The body temperature of a opossum is lower than other mammals, therefore, many diseases cant multiply fast enough to overwhelm the opossums excellent immune system. There are some exceptions to the law, including certain scientific research and educational uses. Exploring the Mysterious Reason Why Possums Walk in Circles, Can Squirrels Detach Their Tails? Carefully follow instructions for the best results. Catch 22 laws - only have 2 options and both are illegal? The main reason why Possums are illegal to own in Texas is because theyre considered as wild animals who should not be tamed. Originally I was going to reply to his comment to place it there, but I didn't have enough points so needed to make a new answer. Though it is possible to keep a possum as a pet, it isn't advisable. Possums make a good pet if you take care of them properly. Volunteers help to monitor and protect these areas, ensuring that the animals remain safe and healthy. Landowners or their agents may take nuisance fur-bearing animals in any number by any means at any time on that person's land without the need for a hunting or trapping license. Includes regulations on caging requirements of dangerous wild animals and care of animals in zoos, carnivals, and circuses. It does not absolutely forbid owning a possum, but it is required that you have a license to take or keep a wild fur-bearing animal including a possum. Updated: 10:17 PM CDT April 16, 2023. person may take a fur-bearing animal or a pelt in this state unless FRESNO - 1234 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 222-3761. Expect a pet opossum to live for six years or more if they are well cared for. In this subtitle: (8) "Take" means the The laws are to protect both you and the animal from harm. Nuisance Wildlife. Apply Neem oil as a botanical pesticide. Is there a way to use any communication without a CPU? Use high-quality reinforcement to make sure your possum stays safe, satisfied, and contended. The opossum is active only at night, and is a solitary animal. In some states, you need a permit, while in a few locations owning exotic animals is forbidden. 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