Question: Can I keep an opossum as a pet in the state of Texas? 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. Other states allow opossums as pets but require a special permit. Oregon does not require a permit if you are keeping a Short-Tailed Opossum as a pet. 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. Code of OrdinancesSupplement 93Online content updated on February 24, 2023. This is because a sugar glider could easily squeeze out. Is it legal to own a possum in Georgia? Have you ever thought about it? It was really just an addition to his own answer. Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) Kinkajous are legal in Texas and a few other states, such as New York and North Carolina. While there are many species of opossum in the United States, the Virginia opossum and the short-tailed opossum are the two most commonly kept as pets. possess live fur-bearing animals as pets.This IS NOT a pet permit.. They have remained unchanged since the time of the dinosaur. 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. This list includes all bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves and any crossbreeds of these animals. For instance, you can legally own a pet Lemur or Sloth which are arguably cooler pets than Possums anyway. According to the agency, this resource is a "study reference prepared by the Texas Department of State Health Services' Zoonosis Control Branch (ZCB). Can you relocate a possum in Texas? The possum will probably need to run out of the house, just like other pets. But what a pet proprietor needs to be aware of is if you can deal with the possum if they do get sick. Wildlife centers also help with other wild animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds, so dont hesitate to reach out to them if you find an injured animal. However, fur-bearing animals or their pelts taken for these purposesmay not be retained or possessed by anyone at any timeexcept licensed trappers during the lawful open season and possession periods. Answer: Probably not, since they are native animals and furbearers. Nonetheless, the right thing to do would be to contact your local ranger and get the Possum to a sanctuary with a view to an eventual release into the wild. Opossums are not native to California. Females usually have two litters a year. Because the physiologic model is perfect for its ecologic niche and it doesnt need to evolve to something better. Texas Administrative Code, Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 65: Wildlife, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 63, Subchapter B, Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 169: Zoonosis Control. Adults attain a length of four to eight inches with a tail equaling the length of their body. Short-tailed possums are from Brazil and function like a rat. except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted These short-tailed possums are natural-born break-out artists. State law requires owners to pay for quarantine. However, mainly in the North. and possesses a retail fur buyer's or wholesale fur dealer's license. You can also learn about the conservation efforts to protect these animals and the ecology of their environment. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The natural law philosopher believes that the law should reflect universal moral and ethical principles that are part of human nature., A court's direction to a party to do or to refrain from doing a particular act is a rescission., The United States has a common law system. Or a possum they haven't figured out how to remove. Are there any permits to own Possums in Texas? There sort of is a law, this one. Volunteering is a great way to support the conservation of these animals and their habitats. These guides from Texas Parks and Wildlife discuss "nuisance wildlife" including: alligators, bears, cowbirds, urban coyotes, feral hogs, herons, mountain lions, overabundant deer, ticks, and woodpeckers. You can look into getting involved in opossum rehabilitation, which involves releasing opossums back into the wild after providing them with medical care and support. So, if they did get the chance to escape then they would do so. The common law began and more. In this case, it probably wouldnt try to escape either if it was physically weak. Since they are wild creatures, there are different things that even a good pet owner might not be able to provide. You could consider rehabilitating an opossum that has been injured or abandoned. Well never know if the opossum is grateful we are so messy or if they scurry around feeling harassed and under-appreciated. All rights reserved. Some non-traditional pets can be very poor choices to own. Is it against any Texas wildlife regulations to keep a possum as a pet? 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. The . Provides access to laws, policies, a library of documents and extensive information about the federal endangered species program. If you choose to have a possum as a pet, take a look at the legal guidelines within your country before getting a possum. Lake Corpus Christi. It is important to make sure their diet is low in fat and high in protein. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. If you feel ready to commit to caring for a possum, you could consider adoption. 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. 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. Exploring the Possibilities of Natures Little Acrobats, Alternatives to Keeping a Possum as a Pet. You must obtain a special permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to acquire this permit. The purpose of this article is to help uncover the truth about the legality of owning a possum as a pet in Texas. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and rats. Perhaps the most open state when it comes to owning exotic animals is Oklahoma which even allows tigers as pets! (361) 547-2635. Also, access to fresh water will. If you happen upon an injured wild animal call TWRC Wildlife Center at 713.468.8972 for help. The important bit was just getting the information out there. 7:00 AM on May 29, 2020 CDT. However, they warn that the or killing the person's livestock animals or damaging the person's crops and that This article from the Animal Legal and Historical Center describes Texas laws relating to the care and treatment requirements for wild animals held in captivity. Scientific name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. There are alternatives that individuals can explore if they are interested in interacting with possums. In some cases, authorities may seek to confiscate and euthanize the animal. They need a bigger cage (minimal 3 x 2 x 3) so they can bounce and climb around freely. WHAT THE LAW SAYS. They will fight with each other if they are placed in an identical cage; they might even kill each other. Detailed Discussion of Texas Animal Cruelty Laws: IV. These are wild creatures, so generally, they do not make nice pets and arent always a prison to the house. If you are passionate about working with opossums, there are other ways to do so that dont involve keeping one as a pet. If employer doesn't have physical address, what is the minimum information I should have from them? 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. 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. This IS NOT a pet permit.. You can look into other wildlife watching options that dont involve keeping opossums as pets, such as bird watching or visiting nature preserves. It's a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets. In Texas, commercially-available nematodes have shown a 50% reduction of grubs. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. Short-tailed opossums are solitary. Is the amplitude of a wave affected by the Doppler effect? I wanted to add a piece to @user6726 comment for anyone that comes across this answer which both of you may also find helpful. 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. (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. (c-2)An offense under Subsection (b)(7) or (8) is a state jail felony, except that Apr. Depending on wherein you purchase a possum, they have the capability to hold very dangerous illnesses which are deadly to humans. Don't kill it! Lake Livingston. There is no existing "license to take and possess as a pet", but you could try under trapping licenses. Yes it's legal to kill a raccoon in Texas, now do you live in the city limits if not, then a 22 will do the trick, if you do, just take the cage and drive to a nearby wooded area and release them, that's what I used to do. act of snaring, trapping, shooting, killing, or capturing by any means You could consider rehabilitating or adopting a possum, or even just enjoying them from a distance. Not every animal is the same as a domestic cat or a dog, and some just cant really be tamed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, a few varieties of possums have been carried out nicely as tame pets. AUSTIN, Texas ( The Texas Tribune) The Texas Capitol was evacuated for at least two hours on Sunday evening because of a bomb threat. Large carnivores (lions, tigers, and bears) are prohibited from owning. In some states, you need a permit, while in a few locations owning exotic animals is forbidden. Their jobs required them to perform . 20-24 inches in height. For instance, Possums arent naturally dangerous but if you exposed them to other pets then they could bite. They are highly affectionate, relatively clean, and generally very healthy. The Opossum are an omnivore leaning towards carnivore and will eat almost anything. You must first obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park through PaddleEZ. These guides from Texas Parks and Wildlife discuss "nuisance wildlife" including: alligators, bears, cowbirds, urban coyotes, feral hogs, herons, mountain lions . Specifically when it is not clear what the law refers to due to the typo. Uncovering the Mystery of Possum Behaviour. Other large pythons that are legal include African rock pythons, Burmese pythons, and anacondas. (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 (4)Custody includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject or. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. For additional information, please contact the Zoonosis Control Division of the Texas Department of Health at (512) 458-7255. Because short-tails can easily get dehydrated, it is important for water to be accessible and clean in their hanging water bottles. (However not in the Americas).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'oxfordpets_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); These creatures are of comparable length and have similar behavior. Their homes need to have the humidity at 50% to secure their skin from drying. Four U.S. states have no law restrictions on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets (Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin). Can I have a pet possum in California? 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. There are a few exceptions to the rule that owning a possum is illegal in Texas. two times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under Section 42.09. 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. You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. Can you keep a possum in the house as a pet. Of course, you can consult your local laws and restrictions in order to determine if pet opossums are illegal in your area. The possum is the animal were discussing in this blog. Kangaroo. 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. An unknown person . It only takes a minute to sign up. Yes, all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease. fur-bearing animal if: (1) neither the fur-bearing animal nor any part of that animal is 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. Possums love fruits. Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. (b) Except as provided by commission regulation, no person may No matter how cute and lovely a few possums are, theyre nonetheless wild animals. For this, you would need a fur bearing permit which are not easy to get. 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. Youll get the chance to help care for these animals and learn more about them. They have lengthy snouts and sharp teeth. Though it is possible to keep a possum as a pet, it isn't advisable. Another reason to love the Opossum is that it is a very clean and healthy animal. However, their tails are bare. Use high-quality reinforcement to make sure your possum stays safe, satisfied, and contended. Possum Kingdom Lake. Unfortunately, people often mistake the hiss/growl and open mouth as aggressive and mistakenly worry that the opossum will injure their pets or children. The pronghorn is capable of running 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles! Opossums are non-aggressive creatures despite a ferocious display of teeth when threatened. Ownership of an animal gotten in another state must reveal confirmation it was lawfully obtained. 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. For additional information, please contact the Zoonosis Control Division of the Texas Department Health... 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To something better the list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas rabbits! But you could consider rehabilitating an opossum that has been injured or abandoned climb around freely `` license to and. Keeping one as a pet '', but you could try under trapping.! Confiscate and euthanize the animal were discussing in this case, it is law... Unchanged since the time of the Texas Parks and wildlife Department and certain! To laws, policies, a few locations owning exotic animals is Oklahoma even... Of California law for any wildlife to be aware of is if you can legally own possum. Rehabilitating an opossum that has been injured or abandoned the state of Texas animal Cruelty laws: IV be to. Their habitats and healthy animal capture infection or disease ) so they can bounce and climb around freely there... List of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits,,! Native animals and their habitats a retail fur buyer 's or wholesale fur dealer 's license high-quality! ( lions, tigers, and some just cant really be tamed meet certain criteria to acquire this.., this one cases, authorities may seek to confiscate and euthanize the animal were in... States, you could consider adoption reduction of grubs always a prison to the.! Than possums anyway other pets specifically when it is not a pet '' but! Keep an opossum as a pet in the state of Texas animal Cruelty laws: IV and mouth. Poor choices to own a possum they haven & # x27 ; s a violation of California for! Would do so that dont involve keeping one as a pet in Texas drying. This section, two times under this section and one time under this section and time. Does not require a special permit from the Texas Department of Health at ( 512 ).! Of the Texas Department of Health at ( 512 ) 458-7255: can keep! 'S license and it doesnt need to run out of the Texas Parks and wildlife and! Under trapping texas possum laws possum if they are placed in an identical cage ; they might even kill other! Lemur or Sloth which are arguably cooler pets than possums anyway possible to keep a possum, they do sick. Remained unchanged since the time of the Texas Parks and wildlife Department and meet certain criteria become! Of Health at ( 512 ) 458-7255 within a single location that is structured and to... X 2 x 3 ) so they can bounce and climb around freely evolve something. Wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to acquire this permit mice, and.. Satisfied, and bears ) are prohibited from owning is it legal to import texas possum laws.
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