OPOSSUM!! PLEASE HELP

[llombardo]

I just looked at your Maryland DNR site. You can easily get a permit to trap and eliminate such a critter, by calling the DNR office. It's posing a threat to your birds, and yourself, living where it is.
Mary

Permits take forever and they don't have to issue one.

Can you call a local wildlife trapper? They are the legal option to trap and they can relocate as long as it's healthy.

Generally speaking oppossums are good for the environment. They are excellent at bug control, but they like multiple other predators love chicken.

 

[imnukensc]

I don't know what you saw, but from your description in the OP, it damn sure wasn't a opossum.

 

[llombardo]

I don't know what you saw, but from your description in the OP, it damn sure wasn't a opossum.

I was thrown off by the tail, because it's a skinny tail and not always easy to see and the smell. I've never smelled an odor with an oppossum, doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but it's odd.

Maybe a skunk or raccoon?

 

[Folly's place]

According to the Maryland DNR website, permits aren't difficult to obtain. That doesn't mean it's actually easy, but still...
Every state is different, and I don't know about Illinois.
Opossums carry Sarcosistis neuroni, and very nasty parasite that causes EPM in equines. It's often fatal, or very debilitating, and common where opossums are found. I have had first hand experience with it here, and shoot every opossum who shows up at my barn or yard. I've also had chicken deaths, when one gets into the coop before lockdown at night.
Not a favorite critter here!
Mary