Could a Opossum have rabies?

[bobbi-j]

Okay, well I'm not going to argue about this anymore, you have your opinion, and I have mine.

But there is a difference between "opinion" and "fact". Whether something is legal or not is a fact. Not an opinion. That's why I said that one should check their state laws (not just guess at them, but actually research them) and find out what is or isn't legal before releasing a trapped animal. Or killing it, I guess. But you're right - there's no sense in arguing about it. One just has to call their Game & Wildlife department, go online and do a smidgen of research, or even go to the library to find these things out.

 

[6of6chicks]

What? What does a trapper do when he comes to check his traps, let the animal go? I don't think so. They don't play catch&release like some afternoon fisherman.

I just looked this up this morning. I don't know about any other state, but in Texas it is illegal to trap wildlife (including possums & raccoons) unless you are animal control, a licensed removal specialist, or have a permit. So if this was in Texas, then that "trapper" either has a permit or he is breaking the law.

 

[3riverschick]

Okay, well I'm not going to argue about this anymore, you have your opinion, and I have mine.

Just want you and yours to be safe! If they have rabies
they could come back and hurt you or someone else.
If they are confirmed killers they could attack small dogs
cats and poultry anywhere they are released. Just
wanting you and yours to be safe.
Best,
Karen

 

[1 old hen]

After talking to a animal nusens control man, he states opossums temperature is lower than coons, skunks and outher mamals and that opossums do not generaly have the right temp for rabies to incubate, but that does not mean they can not get rabies. As for traping and releas you need to talk with your local agracultur or someone who deals in wildlife. But most states do have laws saying agracultur owners do have the right to shoot animals threatening there stock. I know in W.V. you have this right. You may talk to your county commisoner for help.

 

[roosterhavoc]

There sure are a lot of people on here spreading misinformation. If it makes you sleep better at night go ahead and release it somewhere else. The animal will just be killed soon after you dump him into another's territory or runoff into traffic and killed by a car anyway, but hey you didn't have to do it so it's a much better option.

 

[GuineaFowling]

I have a friend who works at an animal relocation center. The price for relocation is really expensive but luckily I am getting them relocated for free. I will get the big Ugly one euthanized though as it may have rabies. I feel terrible for the poor baby opossum.