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Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act), which makes it illegal to catch, interfere with, harass, or kill possums without a permit. Possums are native to Australia and are protected by law, with hefty fines or imprisonment as possible consequences for those who break this law. Catch-and-release licences are required by law if one intends to trap a possum, and these licences vary across state and territory government bodies in Australia. Possums can cause property damage, including holes in roofs, which can result in costly water damage, making possum removal a highly sought-after pest control service in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of killing possums in Australia | Illegal |
| Legality of trapping possums | Illegal without a catch-and-release license |
| Legality of harassing possums | Illegal |
| Legality of trapping and relocating possums | Illegal |
| Penalty for trapping possums without a license | Heavy fines or imprisonment |
| Penalty for pest control company or possum removal company acting outside the law | Liable for any infringements |
| Possum protection laws | Protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act) |
| Possum protection laws | Protected under the Animal Welfare Act 1985 |
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What You'll Learn
Possums are protected under the NPW Act
Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). The NPW Act makes it an offence to catch, interfere with, harass or kill possums, or attempt to do so, without a permit. Possums are native to Australia and are not considered pests, despite the potential damage they can cause to property.
The common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum are the two species that Australians are most likely to encounter in natural and urban environments. Possums are territorial and will mark their territory by urinating and rubbing their scent glands. They are also known to seek shelter in buildings, such as residential roof spaces, and find food in people's gardens or orchards.
It is illegal to trap or relocate a possum without an appropriate licence. A catch-and-release licence is required by law to trap a possum, and this licence must be obtained from the relevant state or territory authority. It is important to verify that any professional service providers are licensed to comply with safe practices and local laws.
There are several humane methods to deter possums from your property. Possums are attracted to easily accessible food, so removing food sources can help deter them. This includes securing rubbish, feeding pets indoors, and removing food from gardens after outdoor meals. Possums can also be deterred by blocking access to potential shelter, such as roof spaces and chimneys.
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It's illegal to trap possums without a licence
Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). The Act makes it an offence to catch, interfere with, harass, or kill protected wildlife, or attempt to do so, without a permit. Possums are considered native animals and are protected by law in Australia. This means that it is illegal to trap or kill a possum without a licence.
In Australia, there are two types of possums that are commonly found in natural and urban environments: the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. The brushtail possum is the more frequent of the two and is about the size of a cat with a bushy tail. The ringtail possum, on the other hand, has a long, thin curled tail, sometimes with a white tip. Possums typically plan to set up camp where there is easily accessible food, so it is important to ensure that rubbish is securely contained and food is not left out in the open.
If you are experiencing issues with possums on your property, there are a few options available. Firstly, you can apply for a catch-and-release licence, which allows you to capture and release native animals, including possums, on your property. These licences are subject to local legislative requirements and guidelines to ensure the humane treatment of the animals. You will need to provide specific information when applying for this licence, including the particulars of the animal, the area for laying traps, and the method of returning the animal to its native habitat.
Alternatively, you can engage with a professional possum removalist who has the appropriate licences and permits to catch and release possums. It is important to verify that your chosen provider possesses valid licences to comply with local laws and regulations. Seeking professional pest control services can be the best course of action, especially with the rules surrounding possum trapping and release.
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Possum removal is a sought-after pest control service
Possums are native to Australia and are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). This legislation makes it an offence to catch, interfere with, harass or kill possums without a permit. As such, possum removal is a delicate matter that requires professional expertise.
Professional possum removal services are equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle possum infestations effectively and humanely. These services employ trained staff who are experts in possum behaviour, removal, and control techniques. They can identify possum activity, locate their dens, and use specialised equipment to trap and remove them safely.
In addition to removal, these services also focus on prevention. They can help seal entry points, such as openings in crawl spaces or cracks in foundations, to prevent future incursions. They also provide guidance on how to possum-proof your property, such as by using deterrents or installing possum boxes in nearby trees.
When choosing a possum removal service, it is important to select a reputable company that adheres to local regulations and prioritises the humane treatment of wildlife. Possums are an integral part of Australia's ecosystem, and their removal should be handled with care to minimise harm to these creatures and ensure compliance with the law.
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Possums can cause serious property damage
In Australia, possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). The NPW Act makes it illegal to catch, interfere with, harass or kill protected wildlife, or attempt to do so, without a permit. However, possums can cause significant property damage, which has led some people to consider extreme measures to stop them.
Possums are highly destructive and can cause serious property damage. They are great climbers and use their long, sharp claws to climb up trees, power lines, roofs, and gutters to access attics and other spaces in buildings. Once inside, they can cause extensive structural damage by expanding their entry holes and creating new points of entry. They may also damage electrical wires and cables, leading to electrical issues and potentially dangerous fires.
In addition to climbing, possums are also avid diggers. They will dig up lawns, gardens, flower beds, and mulch beds, especially freshly laid sod. They are often found in attics, crawl spaces, under porches, and decks, usually in groups. Possums are attracted to trash cans, pet food storage, and cat food, causing a mess and potentially spreading diseases. They use pads of insulation in attics to build their nests, tearing the insulation apart and soiling it, leading to unpleasant smells and increased utility bills.
To prevent possum damage, it is important to seal off potential entry points and call a professional wildlife removal expert to inspect your property and remove any possums safely and humanely. It is illegal to trap and relocate possums without a special license, and doing so can be cruel as they are extremely territorial. Instead, focus on deterrence methods such as squirting them with a water pistol or installing possum boxes in nearby trees.
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It's illegal to harass or stress possums
Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). The NPW Act makes it an offence to catch, interfere with, harass or kill protected wildlife, or attempt to do so, without a permit. The ill treatment of animals is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1985.
It is illegal to harass or interfere with possums. Trapping possums is highly stressful for them and is illegal without a permit. It is also illegal to relocate possums, as they are extremely territorial and moving them more than a very short distance from where they were found will likely result in their death. A Deakin University study in Melbourne (Pietsch 1994) showed that most relocated common brushtail possums die in stressful circumstances soon after release.
If you are having trouble with possums, you can discourage them by removing their food sources, blocking off places they like to sleep, and occasionally making loud noises or shining bright lights. You can also use a water pistol or a super-soaker to spray them with water, but do not use a hose, as it may harm the animal.
If you need to trap a possum, contact a wildlife carer or pest control service to discuss your options.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is illegal to kill possums in Australia. Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act), which makes it an offence to catch, interfere with, harass or kill protected wildlife, or attempt to do so, without a permit.
If you kill a possum without a permit, you may face hefty fines or imprisonment.
You can apply for a catch-and-release licence from your local National Parks and Wildlife Area office. This will allow you to trap and release native animals, like possums, on your property. You will need clear evidence of animal issues before you can get this permit.
Here are some possum deterrence methods:
- Remove easily accessible food sources from your property.
- Block all openings to any parts of your house to prevent possums from accessing them.
- Use a water pistol or a super-soaker to spray possums with water.
