I let me dogs to chase a possum. Don't think the basset got it. No, he actually slept 12ft away in the dog house , letting the darn thing eat his food. I had to let a pug!!! out to scare it, after that Copper came to investigate. Possum wasn't harmed, they sniffed it a bit and then I took them into the house. Possum waddled off a few minutes later. But now that we have livestock I would shoot it. Hubby just bought me a new 2.000.000 candlepower monster flash light, I use it for shining into the woods at night to check for raccoons and other nasty critters. .22LR right beside me.