Directions on How to Build a Trap for Possums

Trapping wildlife on your property can be tricky and needs to be done humanely, if at all. Regulations on how to trap and relocate various species are easily found through each state's wildlife departments. In many places, trapping wildlife is illegal. If you find Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in your yard, you only need to be patient, as they are nomadic and, unless food is readily available, will move on in a few days. The opossum is nature's sanitary engineer. Opossums are nocturnal and essential to the ecosystem. as they are omnivores, eating refuse left behind by others, including carrion. If you must remove one from your property, buy a humane trap or build an easy trap using items found in most households.

Things You'll Need

• Tall garbage can
• Overripe fruit
• Canned cat food
• Blocks

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Search for a source of humane animal traps that live-catch the intended animal. Warehouse supply stores may carry these traps. Havahart is a reputable trap company and makes traps for a variety of animals, or you can make your own.

   • 2

     Get a tall, clean plastic garbage can that has smooth insides. Make sure the can is at least 3 feet tall.

   • 3

     Place blocks of something an opossum can climb on next to the exterior of the garbage can. Set this up in the evening in the location where you have seen the opossum.

   • 4

     Empty a can of soft cat food -- fish flavor -- into the bottom of the can; perhaps add some overripe fruit as well.

   • 5

     Lean the garbage can over so the animal can climb the blocks you are leaning it against. The incline inside the can should be sharp enough so that when the opossum lets itself down into the can, it cannot climb back out.

   • 6

     Check the can daily. Never leave an opossum in a can without food and water, as it will die. Release the animal in a safe location as soon as you catch it.