Maine

[Jazor]

...
As far as opossum go. They are absolutly here in Maine. I caught 8 last year on my property alone during trapping season. In fact, my wife found one in a nesting box just the other night. It had been eating eggs and had killed a few older hens that were sleeping on the floor of the coop. I have been told by untold amounts of people the opossums are not here in Maine. They are here and they are becoming an issue.

I agree completely. Had to peel one off the roadway in front of my house last summer (just outside Freeport), and I think I've seen tracks of another one near my barn; although, that could be a smallish raccoon. I've yet to see a clear enough print to tell who is lurking around. The story ends the same way, regardless of the critter.

 

[anyasmifya]

Thank you so much chickinpecker for clearing up this trapping issue! The raccoon was again outside the coop last night.

Yes, opossum are definitely here in Maine when I lived in Limington I saw one up a tree. I haven't seen any up here yet, (north of bangor) but I am sure some are around.

 

[lazy gardener]

So, if one were to have a mountain lion, which does not exist in Maine, preying on their livestock and pets, it would be legal to shoot said non existent mountain lion???

Wow, I did not know that there were possums in Maine, thank you for that bit of info. fore warned is fore armed.

 

[Jazor]

So, if one were to have a mountain lion, which does not exist in Maine, preying on their livestock and pets, it would be legal to shoot said non existent mountain lion???

Wow, I did not know that there were possums in Maine, thank you for that bit of info. fore warned is fore armed.

Right. Technically it's not illegal, because the state of Maine "doesn't have mountain lions". Of course, as soon as someone shoots one--and it's confirmed to be a big cat--the state of Maine will official 'have them'. Which means they would immediately become protected--then you're into another can of worms.

Fun!

 

[lazy gardener]

SSS

 

[CoopChick719]

Ok, so I know I'm coming into this a bit late but here goes my trapping info. I am a licensed trapper and have been trapping for several years. is legal to shoot any predators that pose a threat to your livestock. I have shot skunks, yotes, fox and opossum working my hen house. If you run into problems there call fish and game in Augusta and get the name of the warden in your area and call him/ her. They can either set traps or give you permission to set traps to protect your livestock. Even as a licensed trapper, I will need permission from the Warden to trap out of season. I would highly suggest speaking to the warden that works YOUR area. They are very reasonable and understanding.

Thank you chickinpecker for tha good advice!!
We had an opossum rooting around under the back part of the house a few years ago. I'm thankful the dogs didn't see it because it was just about their size--ankle-biters. At first I didn't believe my eyes because i thought they needed a warmer climate but my brother (a trapper) confirmed it for me.

 

[ashandvine]

Several sitings of Mt Lions in Maine are coming to light. I don't think the state wants to deal with what to do or how to officially deal with that so its easier to deny.

Virginia Opossums are not native but are here. As climates slowly warm they move up here more and more. I feel a bit bad for them as they really struggle to survive here in the winter. They are often found with frost bit on their ears and tails and even fingers [they have hands like us with little fingernails even]. They really are more vulnerable than something like the Raccoon in a lot of ways. I met one from an animal rescue center not long ago and found her charming. Surprisingly so as I was picturing our version of the Tasmanian Devil. I feel even worse when they are trying to find cover and get into trouble with humans or when they get hit in spring by cars because usually they are carrying babies in their pouches that die if someone doesn't remove them and get them to a center right away. They aren't tough to 'proof' against. Like the coon story earlier: not a problem if they aren't out in the day chasing my birds and my coop is shut up tight. they can pace and try all they want.

 

[Jazor]

The Barred Rock Roo was getting a little aggressive towards my silkie roo this morning. Nothing serious, just chasing him around the coop and trying to bully him. I had no intentions of getting the BR roo, so I won't miss him. If he keeps it up, he'll be up for grabs. If anyone has any interest in a BR Rooster at all, just let me know. Else, he's going in the crock pot.

 

[Jazor]

7 out of 8 developing Rock Stars from Jazor- we're on day 14! ...

Be sure and keep us posted! Hopefully they do well. Cool experiment to see how they turn out.

 

[MEMama3]

I got 13 out of 14 chicks hatched. Something happened with the last one, but I'm not sure what. She was properly positioned and had absorbed most of the yoke. Just didn't make it. Everyone else is fuzzy, cheeping up a storm in the brooder.