Trapping Opossum – Humane Wildlife Removal

What do you need to trap an opossum?

Trapping an opossum is no easy feat, and it’s best to make sure you have all of the equipment you need before starting the process. Otherwise, the opossum might sense what you’re trying to do and learn to avoid anything you’ve set up. Animals are smart, even the pesky ones that rummage through your garbage. So, let’s make a checklist of the equipment you need to catch an opossum.

Phase 1: Observe the Opossum, No Equipment Necessary

Observation is key in these situations. Before you can trap the creature, you need to learn about it. Knowing where it lives, why it’s on your property, and the paths it follows is incredibly helpful in trapping it later. This is your chance to play secret agent.

Phase 2: Choose Your Opossum Trapping Equipment

There are many types of traps on the market, even lethal ones.

Keep in mind that most states have laws that punish you for killing or even trapping opossums, so it might be best to just call a professional. If you insist on doing this yourself, choose the type of trap–preferably a live trap. There are single door traps, double door traps, and leg hold traps that each have their pros and cons.

Whatever you decide, your opossum trapping equipment needs to be set near its home or along one of its well-traveled paths for optimal results.

Phase 3: Baiting Your Opossum Trapping Equipment

Opossums eat everything, seriously. You can try out different types of bait like meat, fruit, vegetables. Even greasy paper might do the trick. Just remember that certain types of bait can attract other animals, so you should research what opossums eat most in your region.

Phase 4: Gloves, Sheets, and Patience

Once the opossum trapping equipment has done its job, you’ll need to get rid of the opossum. Wear thick gloves if you’re handling it on your own. Covering the trap with a sheet works to keep the opossum calm. Patience is necessary because you’re dealing with a scared, feral animal. Keep that in mind.

Once you’ve got all of these things aligned and your plan is set, you’re ready to proceed. Good luck!