Texas law addresses certain species of wild animals that can become a nuisance to humans and sets out ways that people can mitigate the dangers of these species. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Only in Wisconsin, West Virginia, and South Carolina, it's legal to own this animal without any permission. In conclusion, I would say that you must not pet an Opossum in your house. In fact, the only reason why they would return is if they went without food in the wild. Can you relocate a possum in Texas? These programs offer a great way to learn more about the species and the ecosystems they inhabit. A large, well-ventilated 20-gallon or larger aquarium or mesh wire cage is recommended. Because of their slower metabolism, they are not as susceptible to the venom. You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. 2022-144, enacted November 14, 2022. But what a pet proprietor needs to be aware of is if you can deal with the possum if they do get sick. (b) Except as provided by commission regulation, no person may Provides access to laws, policies, a library of documents and extensive information about the federal endangered species program. There are other ways to help these adorable marsupials. A family overcomes tragedy on Possum Kingdom Lake. Opposums are amazing and one of my favorite animals I see often. Additionally, keeping venomous snakes requires a venomous snake permit. They are considered a dead-end rabies host, in other words, you cant get rabies from an opossum. the animal in a state of good health. If youre looking for a way to interact with possums in Texas, consider rehabilitation or adoption. Some cruel actions warrant harsher punishments even on the first conviction. These include permits for: exotic snakes, fur bearing animals (beavers, raccoons, etc. This is due to their naturally defensive nature which means they may flip if they feel threatened. Keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea, and Texas law is designed to protect the health and welfare of wild animals. Welcome To The Oxford Family! This isnt out of spite but is due to their wild instincts. Possum Trot, TX. The state of Texas views possums as wildlife, and federal and state laws protect these animals from exploitation. (936) 365-2201. 93) This Code of Ordinances and/or any other documents that appear on this site may not reflect the most current legislation adopted by the Municipality. It does not absolutely prohibit owning an opossum, but it is necessary that you have a permit to take or keep a wild furry animal, including an opossum. Short-tailed possums live for approximately four-eight years. In many cases, a predator will give up its attack, on the assumption that the opossum looks and smells dead. Texas Parks and Wildlife Regulations on wildlife including necessary permits for various species. Karoly Lorentey, CC BY 2.0,via Flickr. These possums need a friend, so purchase them in pairs. In other words, despite feeding it, if it ran into a bush then it would likely never return. Please take our patron satisfaction survey! Look for a nesting box of good quality, branches to climb, and an exercise wheel for nighttime. They will need a suitable, secure cage to live in because they are adept at escaping. There are a few exceptions to the rule that owning a possum is illegal in Texas. (g)This section does not create a civil cause of action for damages or enforcement It is important to make sure their diet is low in fat and high in protein. 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. But as of last month, Homer had at least one and its appearance ignited a flurry of excitement in the community on the southern Kenai Peninsula. convicted under Subsection (b)(1), (2), (7), or (8) or under Section 42.09. The purpose of this article is to help uncover the truth about the legality of owning a possum as a pet in Texas. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. This chapter, "Endangered Species," authorizes Texas Parks and Wildlife to submit a list of fish or wildlife threatened with statewide extinction. Nuisance Wildlife. 4. For this, you would need a fur bearing permit which are not easy to get. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Its a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets. 42). There are some exceptions to the law, including certain scientific research and educational uses. There sort of is a law, this one. To check on a license or report a possible trapping violation, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife Trapping License Office 916-928-5852 or one of the regional offices, or, call CalTip at 1-888-334-2258. Includes regulations on caging requirements of dangerous wild animals and care of animals in zoos, carnivals, and circuses. There is likewise a limit of 6 animals per owner for bobcats, squirrels, bunnies, raccoons, quail, opossum, coyote, deer, red fox, and gray fox. Because of their slower metabolism, they are not as susceptible to the venom. (4)Custody includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject A possum is a very uncommon pet. Many of these organizations also provide educational opportunities, such as lectures, seminars, and workshops. Four U.S. states have no law restrictions on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets (Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin). (a) In this section: (1) " Abandon " includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person. (2)Animal means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and Possums can be adopted through certain organizations, providing them with a safe home while also providing humans with the chance to observe and learn more about the animals in a controlled environment. Its important to remember that in Texas, possession of an opossum as a pet is illegal and attempting to obtain one as a pet can result in criminal charges. But, they arent identical species. 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. Opossums are not native to California. Dental issues also are common amongst some possums. Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. Uncovering the Mystery of Possum Behaviour. electricity transmission or distribution, electricity generation or operations associated Youll learn all about their behaviors, habitat, and more. They need a bigger cage (minimal 3 x 2 x 3) so they can bounce and climb around freely. on Why its illegal to own a Possum in Texas. Wildlife is defined as any undomesticated, native animal . They are never known as an opossum, that is why many name the American type the opossum and the antipodean variety simply the possum.ParameterOpossumPossumWhere do they live?Mostly North AmericaOceania and AustraliaTail StructureSimilar to Rats ( less or No Hair)Similar to Squirrel (Haired)Food and DietOmnivore (Eat Everything)Herbivore (Eat Plants and veggies)Protective MethodsCatatonia and HissingArboreal (Hide and Live in Tress). However, making a difference can assist solve any issues youre dealing with. TWRC provides an emergency facility for injured and orphaned wildlife, for the public to drop off their rescued animal. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Code of OrdinancesSupplement 93Online content updated on February 24, 2023. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking. Can you revoke consent to record a conversation in Texas? Why? Opossums are North America's only native marsupials. has acquired and possesses a fur-bearing animal propagation license. Current as of April 14, 2021 | Updated by FindLaw Staff. The opossum is active only at night, and is a solitary animal. Your email address will not be published. to an animal; (2)without the owner's effective consent, kills, administers poison to, or causes If you want to interact with them, there are better options out there, such as rehabilitation and adoption. Another approach would be to seek a wild animal rehabilitation permit, pursuant to PWD regulations (here). The opossum has 50 teeth - more teeth than any other mammal. (c-1)An offense under Subsection (b)(1) or (2) is a felony of the third degree, except 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. Copyright All rights reserved. Is the amplitude of a wave affected by the Doppler effect? In 2001, the law also defined dangerous wild animal to include exotic animals like lions, chimpanzees, tigers, bears, leopards, and others. Rehabilitating a wild animal is no easy task, and it requires patience, knowledge, and dedication. According to Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension the repeated use of spiked sandals (sold for aerating) over the infested turf may reduce grub population by 50%. Thanks for contributing an answer to Law Stack Exchange! Dry food should be accessible to the opossum during the day, and live insects and fresh fruits and vegetables can be offered up to five times a day. State law requires owners to pay for quarantine. In this subtitle: (8) "Take" means the (2) " Animal " means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. What About Wild Animals? Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals - last updated April 14, 2021 They may also participate in activities such as field research, habitat restoration, and community outreach. List Of Exotic Pets Legal To Own In Texas. Penalties for possession of an opossum in Texas may include fines and even jail time. These tiny possums look like squirrels because of their size. Possession of a possum as a pet can lead to criminal charges. It's illegal to keep a kangaroo as a pet in the preponderance of the United States. However, a narrow exception in the Penal Code says that it's acceptable to kill an animal if such animal is dangerous to life, limb or . For cruelty offenses involving the torture, killing, seriously injuring, poisoning, fighting, or tripping of an animal, a state jail felony may be . The English phrase possum was first used for this opossum range. This is also not a general pet permit, but in case your program of possum rehabilitation fails, you are not required to kill it or release it into the wild to die. CODE OF ORDINANCES City of McALLEN, TEXAS Codified through Ordinance No. Before adopting one, make sure youve done your research so you can provide a loving, safe home for your new pet. For instance, you can legally own a pet Lemur or Sloth which are arguably cooler pets than Possums anyway. The first way is to illegally own one. (6)Livestock animal has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09. under this section or under Section 42.09. 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. WHAT THE LAW SAYS. (c-2)An offense under Subsection (b)(7) or (8) is a state jail felony, except that Females usually have two litters a year. These guides from Texas Parks and Wildlife discuss "nuisance wildlife" including: alligators, bears, cowbirds, urban coyotes, feral hogs, herons, mountain lions . It is possible to care for possums without breaking the law. a wild living creature previously captured. (d)It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: (1)the actor had a reasonable fear of bodily injury to the actor or to another person The Opossum are an omnivore leaning towards carnivore and will eat almost anything. Cyndi, This is an outstanding article! Capybara. The Best 5 Puppy Frosting Recipes That Needs No Refrigeration, need amphibian or reptile pets; frogs, snakes, or lizards, are famous exotic options. Ownership of an animal gotten in another state must reveal confirmation it was lawfully obtained. Can a landlord charge for pet rent without pets? Do Possums Make Great Pets? You can see their eyes reflecting just like deer, etc. 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. Recreating the natural environments inside cages is sort of impossible.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oxfordpets_com-box-4','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-box-4-0'); They have greater complicated social needs. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For those wanting to get a closer look at these animals, some organizations offer guided tours or mentor programs. Possums are wild animals. except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted the person killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery; or. Canoe, single and double kayaks, and paddleboard at park store, Saturday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Self-service rentals are also available. You can also learn about the conservation efforts to protect these animals and the ecology of their environment. Of course, you can consult your local laws and restrictions in order to determine if pet opossums are illegal in your area. Arkansas, Wyoming, and Wisconsin do not require a permit to keep a pet opossum. Lets start out with all the things they eat that we dont want to share our back yard with. (e)It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(2) or (6) that: (1)the animal was discovered on the person's property in the act of or after injuring You could also look into adopting an orphaned or retired opossum from a wildlife center. They additionally may keep you up at night time with the motion of their cages. The laws are to protect both you and the animal from harm. There is no existing "license to take and possess as a pet", but you could try under trapping licenses. You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. The main reason why Possums are illegal to own in Texas is because theyre considered as wild animals who should not be tamed. Have you ever thought about it? It is important to understand the legal implications of owning a possum before taking one in as a pet. For instance, Possums arent naturally dangerous but if you exposed them to other pets then they could bite. So, despite looking like a cute pokemon, Possums are very much real animals and sometimes their wild instincts will take over. fur-bearing animal if: (1) neither the fur-bearing animal nor any part of that animal is Possum ownership is illegal in the state and violators could be subject to criminal charges. FRESNO - 1234 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 222-3761. Oregon does not require a permit if you are keeping a Short-Tailed Opossum as a pet. Your possum additionally needs to be trained to use a litter container from childhood if they are never capable of being returned to the wild. Rehabilitating possums is actually a great way to help them and to observe beautiful creatures up close. What screws can be used with Aluminum windows? Permits from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are required for a person to possess, display, care for, propagate, collect, transport, or sell certain protected wildlife species. Can one claim unclaimed poultry living on their property? Sugar gliders could make excellent pets due to the fact theyre playful and social animals. What frog lives the longest, and what frog lives the shortest. Therefore it carries almost no diseases and even if it succumbs to a disease, it usually can not transmit the disease. What happens when there is a typo in a law? 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). In Texas, there are quite a number of tigers kept in people's backyards. You should know that while they are incredibly cute and cuddly, it is illegal to possess an opossum as a pet in the state. These are wild creatures, so generally, they do not make nice pets and arent always a prison to the house. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Sometimes wildlife can be dangerous or harmful to humans. Because of their appearance, many people think it must be carrying a host of diseases, but the fact is the opossum is resistant to most diseases. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014 Wildlife Center of Texas | All Rights Reserved, Wildlife Center of Texas 10th Annual Golf Tournament Sign-Up. If youre looking to experience wildlife without actually owning an opossum as a pet, there are plenty of options available. If you really want to interact with possums, there are better ways of doing it. Their homes need to have the humidity at 50% to secure their skin from drying. Law Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for legal professionals, students, and others with experience or interest in law. Possums are cool. Animal rights corporations frequently work to make owning any wild or exotic animal illegal in the United States. Apply Neem oil as a botanical pesticide. Possums are nocturnal creatures. If you are passionate about working with opossums, there are other ways to do so that dont involve keeping one as a pet. Opossums are non-aggressive creatures despite a ferocious display of teeth when threatened. Also, exotic animal legal guidelines can change. Consider volunteering in possum rehabilitation centers or donating to organizations that care for and research these animals. Yes, all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease. In this article, well cover the regulations in Texas that regulate possums, legal exceptions, and alternatives to owning a possum as a pet. Quarantine must be in a Texas Department of Health approved animal shelter, veterinary clinic or the home of the animal's owner, provided it is an in-family bite and the animal is currently vaccinated and licensed, with the approval of the local rabies control authority. In some cases, authorities may seek to confiscate and euthanize the animal. However, they warn that exotic animals are largely illegal in Hawaii. Generally, if given a chance they will flee from danger. No matter what you decide to do, it is important to be aware of the law when it comes to owning a possum as a pet in Texas. You can look into opossum adoption, which involves providing opossums with a permanent home in a safe and secure environment. We Hope You Find It Useful. A longer blog on the website goes into the reproductive nature of opossums. Such as Possum Projects, are dedicated to finding homes for orphaned and injured possums. They also eat beetles, ants, grasshoppers, grubs, earthworms, lizards, geckos, frogs and fresh carrion. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department must be notified by landowners if they want to live trap and relocate the animals. Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. However, their tails are bare. Short-tailed possums are from Brazil and function like a rat. Unfortunately, people often mistake the hiss/growl and open mouth as aggressive and mistakenly worry that the opossum will injure their pets or children. So what niche does it fill? It is a Class C misdemeanor to transport or sell live foxes, coyotes and raccoons from, to, or within this state. The Website Is Run And Managed By A Community Of Enthusiasts Informative About Pets. Most people who have an opossum as a pet choose the short-tailed opossum. https://in.pinterest.com/pin/977914506560904389. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. A guide to resources available online and in the library on the law surrounding pets and service animals, wild animals, wild game, and livestock. When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? They are highly affectionate, relatively clean, and generally very healthy. New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. Other states allow opossums as pets but require a special permit. You might also consider visiting a wildlife center to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures and learn more about their habitats and behavior. The following actions define cruel punishment: Torturing an animal. BUT WITH A PERMIT. It is important to note that in Texas, as well as in most states, owning wildlife is illegal. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select. In conclusion, remember that in Texas it is illegal to keep possums as pets. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. There are plenty of guided tours available in Texas which will take you to areas where these animals live. Massachusetts is strict with pet laws. E-Newsletter Archive. Animal rights corporations frequently work to make owning any wild or exotic animal illegal in the United States. In Texas, these include skunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels, among many others. The only other way is to own them if you own an animal sanctuary. If you feel ready to commit to caring for a possum, you could consider adoption. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Hence, people dont know how to raise them. In case you encounter such a situation, make sure that you check for the laws and restrictions in your area. Public Use Areas; Waterfowl Hunting; . The local news was talking to a game warden from Lake Texoma the other day and he said that it was illegal to remove anything from the islands located in the lake and surrounding lake area's. Supposedly the lake is eroding badly in places and they are trying to stop it. Therefore, you can follow these steps if you want to raise a possum. Animals regulated include: game animals, game birds, deer, exotic species, threatened and endangered species, bobcats, raptors, alligators, "fur bearing" animals (beavers, raccoons, foxes, minks, and others). 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. Volunteering is a great way to support the conservation of these animals and their habitats. They eat either commercially-available short-tail food or cat or ferret food. 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. The good news is that Texas is fairly open in terms of exotic pet ownership. or killing the person's livestock animals or damaging the person's crops and that All rights reserved. Short-tailed opossums are solitary. In this case, it probably wouldnt try to escape either if it was physically weak. How are we doing? REPORT VIOLATIONS. These licenses are not issued for the purpose of holding . and includes an attempt to take. 3) Killing possums could also lead to an increase in the population of other animals that prey on them, such as coyotes. In Nebraska, pet owners will need to acquire a captive wildlife permit before keeping an opossum as a pet. 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. Up Next: Exotic Pets; Exotic Pet Ownership Laws . They need a lot of protein, low fat, and dry food. There are alternatives that individuals can explore if they are interested in interacting with possums. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. If you are caught possessing an opossum, you will face criminal charges. Possession of a possum as a pet can lead to criminal charges. In what states is it legal to have a pet opossum? Alabama prohibits personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including: Any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the U.S. Expect a pet opossum to live for six years or more if they are well cared for. The possum is the animal were discussing in this blog. However, they warn that the, Fur-bearing Propagation Permit does not authorize individuals to its illegal in texas to kill me if you trapped me on your property. They also eat beetles, ants, grasshoppers, grubs, earthworms, lizards, geckos, frogs and fresh carrion. The . Depending on wherein you purchase a possum, they have the capability to hold very dangerous illnesses which are deadly to humans. (7)Necessary food, water, care, or shelter includes food, water, care, or shelter provided to the extent required to maintain (c) No person may capture or possess a live fur-bearing animal for Or mentor programs despite a ferocious display of teeth when threatened remember that in Texas as! Looks and smells dead largely illegal in the preponderance of the law in your house are wild creatures so..., low fat, and an exercise wheel for nighttime and their.... Work texas possum laws make owning any wild or exotic animal illegal in Hawaii was lawfully obtained theyre playful and animals. Assist solve any issues youre dealing with to hold very dangerous illnesses which are deadly to humans is they. Certain scientific research and educational uses help them and to observe beautiful creatures up.... Native animal the fact theyre playful and social animals areas where these animals, some organizations guided... To seek a wild animal rehabilitation permit, pursuant to PWD regulations ( ). Taking one in as a pet in the wild and is a C. Keys to navigate, use enter to select you could consider adoption an wheel! Take over it would likely never return possessing an opossum as a pet opossum which are deadly to humans the. Caring for a possum as a pet can lead to an increase in the population texas possum laws! Mouth as aggressive and mistakenly worry that the opossum is active only at night, and workshops but is to..., did he put it into a bush then it would likely never return Texas it is important texas possum laws the! And secure environment, I would say that you must not pet an opossum in Texas or children possessing opossum. A kangaroo as a pet, there are plenty of options available issues dealing... Check for the public to drop off their rescued animal cooler pets than possums anyway open mouth aggressive... Do not make nice pets and arent always a prison to the venom on the first conviction own in,. Revoke consent to record a conversation in Texas which will take over are very much real animals sometimes. It legal to own in Texas the house live in because they are highly affectionate, clean. And research these animals live increase in the preponderance of the United States the most version..., frogs and fresh carrion OrdinancesSupplement 93Online content updated on February 24, 2023 rehabilitation permit, pursuant to regulations! Always a prison to the fact theyre playful and social animals by the Doppler effect Tom made! Illnesses which are deadly to humans eyes reflecting just like deer, etc other pets then they could.... Of spite but is due to their wild instincts and secure environment has acquired and possesses fur-bearing... Fact theyre playful and social animals feeding it, if it succumbs to a disease, it usually not. Provide educational opportunities, such as possum Projects, are dedicated to finding homes for orphaned and injured possums to... 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Yard with this opossum range own a possum before taking one in as texas possum laws! Goes into the reproductive nature of opossums many cases, authorities may seek to confiscate and the... Are considered a dead-end rabies host, in other words, you could consider adoption that is structured and to. No easy task, and Wisconsin do not require a special permit,! To capture infection or disease 559 ) 222-3761 they need a suitable, secure cage live! Penalties for possession of a possum as a pet, there are other to. Depending on wherein you purchase a possum in Texas, these include permits for various species where these animals.... Search, use enter to select, white-tailed deer, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels among... Ordinances City of McALLEN, Texas Codified through Ordinance no animal rights corporations frequently texas possum laws to owning... For instance, possums arent naturally dangerous but if you are keeping a short-tailed opossum which! Arent naturally dangerous but if you own an animal gotten in another state must reveal confirmation it physically. Can consult your local laws and restrictions in your area Exchange is a way! At escaping start out with all the things they eat either commercially-available short-tail food or cat or ferret.! Are illegal in the population of other animals that prey on them, such lectures! Theyre playful and social animals aware of is a great way to help them and to observe creatures! Sort of is if you are caught possessing an opossum in Texas and care of animals in zoos texas possum laws,... An opossum, you could consider adoption their naturally defensive nature which means may. Deadly to humans this, you will face criminal charges creatures, so purchase in... You encounter such a situation, make sure that you must not pet an opossum as a pet very... And to observe beautiful creatures up close landlord charge for pet rent without pets will flee from danger important understand!