Possum Control in Albany, NY

New York State Rules for Opossum Removal

Handling a nuisance opossum in New York isn’t as simple as setting a trap. State law prohibits trapping a wild animal and moving it off the property where it was captured, and legal removal must be performed by a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO), a state-issued credential that authorizes wildlife control work under New York DEC rules.

The permit requirement depends on the situation. An opossum that is only a nuisance generally requires a DEC nuisance wildlife permit before it can be taken. One that is actively damaging property may be taken without one under specific conditions. Working with a licensed professional can help you avoid legal problems while trying to solve a wildlife issue.

Are Opossums Dangerous?

Most possums are far less aggressive than people expect. They generally don’t attack pets, don’t dig their own burrows, and their go-to defense is playing dead rather than fighting. On the disease front, opossums have an unusually low body temperature that makes them an unlikely rabies carrier, though they can carry parasites, which is worth keeping in mind if you have outdoor pets.

One thing Capital Region residents should know: opossums don’t hibernate. Unlike some wildlife problems that quiet down in winter, a possum that has found a warm denning spot under your home or shed can stay active all year. That’s reason enough not to wait until spring to address the issue.