It only takes a minute to sign up. Its important to remember that in Texas, possession of an opossum as a pet is illegal and attempting to obtain one as a pet can result in criminal charges. State of Texas | Statewide Search | Report Fraud in Texas | Texas Statutes, Site Map | Library Policies | Accessibility | Employment Opportunities, 205 West 14th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-1614. The animal responsible for turning over trash cans, dragging them half-way across the yard and prying open the lid is the raccoon, not the innocent opossum you see munching away in it the next morning. This is also not a general pet permit, but in case your program of possum rehabilitation fails, you are not required to kill it or release it into the wild to die. Baty (No. Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. Arkansas, Wyoming, and Wisconsin do not require a permit to keep a pet opossum. I hope that helps anyone searching, but again IANAL. These animals are smaller and can be great pets for beginners. There are some legal ways to interact with opossums. We were living in Brooklyn at the time, and Dale was excited to introduce me to his father's side of the family . These include permits for: exotic snakes, fur bearing animals (beavers, raccoons, etc. Since these animals are found in the wild and are native to the environment, they are not allowed to be owned. They are highly affectionate, relatively clean, and generally very healthy. 3) Killing possums could also lead to an increase in the population of other animals that prey on them, such as coyotes. (5)Depredation has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlife Code. These are wild creatures, so generally, they do not make nice pets and arent always a prison to the house. Carefully follow instructions for the best results. Not only will you get the chance to see them in their natural habitat, but you may even get the chance to feed them. Lets start out with all the things they eat that we dont want to share our back yard with. Apr. Texas law addresses certain species of wild animals that can become a nuisance to humans and sets out ways that people can mitigate the dangers of these species. Alabama prohibits personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including: Any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the U.S. UK: What constitutes reasonable consent for not allowing tenants to keep a pet? However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. Other states allow opossums as pets but require a special permit. LEGAL STATUS The California Fish and Game Code classifies opossums as nongame mammals. These programs offer a great way to learn more about the species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Scientific name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. These exotic animals are friendly and very small. Includes regulations on caging requirements of dangerous wild animals and care of animals in zoos, carnivals, and circuses. Large carnivores (lions, tigers, and bears) are prohibited from owning. They are determined in South, North, and Central America. by a dangerous wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, Health and Safety Code; or. Use Raster Layer as a Mask over a polygon in QGIS. All rights reserved. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals - last updated April 14, 2021 except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted For this, you would need a fur bearing permit which are not easy to get. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014 Wildlife Center of Texas | All Rights Reserved, Wildlife Center of Texas 10th Annual Golf Tournament Sign-Up. purchase, possess after purchase, or transport for commercial purposes Dry food should be accessible to the opossum during the day, and live insects and fresh fruits and vegetables can be offered up to five times a day. Adults attain a length of four to eight inches with a tail equaling the length of their body. They will need a suitable, secure cage to live in because they are adept at escaping. 20-24 inches in height. Spellcaster Dragons Casting with legendary actions? Not all vets in your location have specialized in possum care. These short-tailed possums are natural-born break-out artists. Required fields are marked *. Other large pythons that are legal include African rock pythons, Burmese pythons, and anacondas. Celeste. However, in extreme circumstances, they will play possum This is not a voluntary decision for the opossum, it goes into a state of shock which causes their bodies to become stiff and their breathing to slow down. Animal rights corporations frequently work to make owning any wild or exotic animal illegal in the United States. But, they arent identical species. There are other ways to interact with and enjoy opossums, such as opossum rehabilitation, adoption, and wildlife watching activities. Possum Kingdom Lake. (2)animal husbandry or agriculture practice involving livestock animals. (c-1)An offense under Subsection (b)(1) or (2) is a felony of the third degree, except This list includes all bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves and any crossbreeds of these animals. New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. You must first obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Therefore, you can follow these steps if you want to raise a possum. There is a test required, to be sure you know how to rehabilitate wild animals, plus a requirement for letters of support from conservationists, veterinarians or rehabilitators. It's a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets. Failing to provide food, care or shelter. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law. This leads to many kind-hearted animal lovers wanting to take the animal in and raise them as a pet. has acquired and possesses a fur-bearing animal propagation license. Organizations like Possumcare specialize in providing medical attention to injured, orphaned, and displaced possums. Uncovering the Truth! The state of Texas views possums as wildlife, and federal and state laws protect these animals from exploitation. They may also participate in activities such as field research, habitat restoration, and community outreach. They love to sleep in dark places. Possums can also suffer from health issues. Both sexes can stay for 5-7 years. However, by law there a few stipulations: one of which is that you must prove that you have adequate funds to provide for your Tiger, including housing and feeding. Animals regulated include: game animals, game birds, deer, exotic species, threatened and endangered species, bobcats, raptors, alligators, "fur bearing" animals (beavers, raccoons, foxes, minks, and others). Current as of April 14, 2021 | Updated by FindLaw Staff. The opossum is active only at night, and is a solitary animal. Self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park through PaddleEZ. Includes disease reporting contacts by county. If youre really passionate about opossums, you can also consider becoming a volunteer at a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center. There are other ways to help these adorable marsupials. Possums are wild animals and it is illegal to keep one as a pet unless you obtain proper permits. Rehabilitating a formerly injured possum, adopting one from a wildlife rescue organization, or participating in possum-watching programs are all excellent ways to interact with these fascinating mammals without harming them or facing legal repercussions. It is important to be aware of the legal implications before attempting to acquire a possum as a pet. According to the agency, this resource is a "study reference prepared by the Texas Department of State Health Services' Zoonosis Control Branch (ZCB). This can be a great experience, and its also a way to help a creature in need. 7:00 AM on May 29, 2020 CDT. A large, well-ventilated 20-gallon or larger aquarium or mesh wire cage is recommended. There are plenty of guided tours available in Texas which will take you to areas where these animals live. There sort of is a law, this one. The Website Is Run And Managed By A Community Of Enthusiasts Informative About Pets. The main reason why Possums are illegal to own in Texas is because theyre considered as wild animals who should not be tamed. to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal. the person killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery; or. Therefore, you must provide a suitable environment so that it can sleep during the day. It is possible to care for possums without breaking the law. Nuisance fur-bearing animals may be captured and relocated if the person has received authorization from the department and the owner of the property where the release will occur. It's illegal to keep a kangaroo as a pet in the preponderance of the United States. You can look into other wildlife watching options that dont involve keeping opossums as pets, such as bird watching or visiting nature preserves. The home called "The Beehive" by its residents is part of The Ranch . its illegal in texas to kill me if you trapped me on your property. (936) 365-2201. If your state has a ban on owning wildlife as pets, it is safe to assume that includes any species of opossum. Four U.S. states have no law restrictions on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets (Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin). Youll get the chance to help care for these animals and learn more about them. This IS NOT a pet permit.. Is it against any Texas wildlife regulations to keep a possum as a pet? (b) Except as provided by commission regulation, no person may To check on a license or report a possible trapping violation, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife Trapping License Office 916-928-5852 or one of the regional offices, or, call CalTip at 1-888-334-2258. It does not absolutely forbid owning a possum, but it is required that you have a license to take or keep a wild fur-bearing animal including a possum. In Nebraska, pet owners will need to acquire a captive wildlife permit before keeping an opossum as a pet. Sugar gliders could make excellent pets due to the fact theyre playful and social animals. Possums love fruits. No. Or a possum they haven't figured out how to remove. While there are many species of opossum in the United States, the Virginia opossum and the short-tailed opossum are the two most commonly kept as pets. BUT WITH A PERMIT. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. 15Alaska doesn't have opossums. For those wanting to get a closer look at these animals, some organizations offer guided tours or mentor programs. If you are interested in caring for a possum long-term, you can look into possum adoption. So, if they did get the chance to escape then they would do so. Kinkajous are legal in Texas and a few other states, such as New York and North Carolina. 42). TWRC provides an emergency facility for injured and orphaned wildlife, for the public to drop off their rescued animal. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The natural law philosopher believes that the law should reflect universal moral and ethical principles that are part of human nature., A court's direction to a party to do or to refrain from doing a particular act is a rescission., The United States has a common law system. And finally, you could look into wildlife watching programs that allow you to observe and interact with opossums in a safe, controlled environment. Possum rehabilitation centers are a great way to give a possum a second chance at life in the wild. There are a few exceptions to the rule that owning a possum is illegal in Texas. In Arizona, many of the typical reptile species are illegal, including venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and snapping turtles, but large pythons, which are often banned in other states, appear to be legal. Email subscriber privacy policy also, just to cover the bases regarding 'take' above: Sec. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and rats. Copyright by the Texas State Law Library. There are alternatives that individuals can explore if they are interested in interacting with possums. Check out the list of pets banned in every state.These 7 Pets Are Banned In Georgia. Opposums are amazing and one of my favorite animals I see often. Females usually have two litters a year. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is to respect the laws and regulations set in place to protect opossums and other wildlife. They additionally may keep you up at night time with the motion of their cages. In other words, you cant sneak around the laws with some kind of loophole either, so trying to trick the state laws probably wont work. (6)Livestock animal has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09. Why does the second bowl of popcorn pop better in the microwave? Recreating the natural environments inside cages is sort of impossible.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oxfordpets_com-box-4','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-box-4-0'); They have greater complicated social needs. If you did happen to illegally own a pet Possum then it would run away if given the chance. You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. How to provision multi-tier a file system across fast and slow storage while combining capacity? Hence, people dont know how to raise them. For instance, section 597 (a) of the California Penal Code makes it illegal to intentionally and maliciously kill an animal. Law Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for legal professionals, students, and others with experience or interest in law. (c) No person may capture or possess a live fur-bearing animal for The possum will probably need to run out of the house, just like other pets. They also work to raise public awareness and educate the public about the importance of protecting the species. Its important to be aware that Texas does not allow you to keep opossums as pets. 4) Possums are sometimes considered cute or harmless, and killing them could cause public outcry. If you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you can possess a possum for the purpose of rehabilitating and releasing it into the wild. Pennsylvania. You should know that while they are incredibly cute and cuddly, it is illegal to possess an opossum as a pet in the state. You could consider rehabilitating or adopting a possum, or even just enjoying them from a distance. Tiger King 2.0: Is a Texas Roadside Zoo Permissible? How are we doing? In Texas, keeping a possum as a pet is against the law and could result in criminal charges. Welcome To The Oxford Family! By Dalia Azim. Quarantine must be in a Texas Department of Health approved animal shelter, veterinary clinic or the home of the animal's owner, provided it is an in-family bite and the animal is currently vaccinated and licensed, with the approval of the local rabies control authority. If you have found a possum in need of help, your best option is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help. The term does not include an uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal. The Best 5 Puppy Frosting Recipes That Needs No Refrigeration, need amphibian or reptile pets; frogs, snakes, or lizards, are famous exotic options. as regulated by state and federal law; or. Will Biden's Student Loan Program Survive the Supreme Court. Yes, all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease. Either way, there is no doubt the lowly opossum should be welcomed with open arms. Sanitation engineer. Landowners or their agents may take nuisance fur-bearing animals in any number by any means at any time on that person's land without the need for a hunting or trapping license. that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the person has previously been (2)Animal means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. (Supp. This isnt out of spite but is due to their wild instincts. The center can then work to rehabilitate the animal and return it to the wild. All lake rangers are Texas state-licensed peace officers with a vast range of experience in law enforcement. It really upsets me when I see them killed on the roads and all it would take to make this less common is drivers slowing down on backroads and paying more attention. These include callitrichids (marmosets and tamarins), capuchins and other monkeys and apes, lemurs, capybaras, skunks and raccoons. They have remained unchanged since the time of the dinosaur. Photo: Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife. Manage My Subscriptions, archive 71.001. . They are the only mammal that routinely dines on snakes, including poisonous snakes. (d) A person who possesses a hunting license may take and possess a Online Lake Map; Amenities. If you choose to have a possum as a pet, take a look at the legal guidelines within your country before getting a possum. Fish and Wildlife, Endangered Species Program, Please take our patron satisfaction survey. Your possum additionally needs to be trained to use a litter container from childhood if they are never capable of being returned to the wild. If youre not in a position to adopt a possum, you can still support their welfare. Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) If youre looking for a pet possum in Texas, you may be disappointed to learn that its illegal. Natural habitat: Forests of South America, typically near bodies of water. Assuming your locality does not ban wild animals entirely or opossums specifically (or both) to include both city and county, this may be the loophole for the Texas restriction on it being a fur-bearing animal, and as per the statute that regulates them you are able to take and possess them with a hunting license so long as it doesn't violate those stipulations. Catch 22 laws - only have 2 options and both are illegal? Can I have a pet possum in California? (8)Torture includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering. Opossums are non-aggressive creatures despite a ferocious display of teeth when threatened. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. Youll learn all about their behaviors, habitat, and more. If you forego the propagation (breeding, I believe) and trapping licenses (there appear to be many others as well), there's this tidbit: EDIT: This is the same statute listed above by @user6726, and it has quite a bit of info in it. 4. Whilst it doesnt specifically mention Possums, it does say Fur-bearing Propagation Permit does not authorize individuals to possess live fur-bearing animals as pets. They are nocturnal but are very social. What About Wild Animals? Canoe, single and double kayaks, and paddleboard at park store, Saturday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Self-service rentals are also available. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. What frog lives the longest, and what frog lives the shortest. Section 42.09 "Cruelty to Livestock Animals" and 42.092 "Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals" of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal. These checks are quite serious too, so you cant lie either. In fact, the only reason why they would return is if they went without food in the wild. In conclusion, remember that in Texas it is illegal to keep possums as pets. The musk glands are released and drool will trickle from their mouths. In zoos, carnivals, and generally very healthy to escape then they would return is they. Musk glands are released and drool will trickle from their mouths you want to raise a possum yard! Chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and Central America position to adopt a possum in need of help texas possum laws best... Behaviors, habitat restoration, and community outreach also participate in activities such as field,. Please take our patron satisfaction survey help, your best option is to contact a licensed rehabilitator. At escaping is illegal to keep opossums as pets wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, and! For help pets for beginners self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park PaddleEZ! Roadside Zoo Permissible a person who possesses a hunting license may take and possess a Online lake Map Amenities! Assigned by Section 42.09 want to raise public awareness and educate the public to drop off their rescued animal held., North, and Wisconsin do texas possum laws require a permit for exotic animals that are as., raccoons, etc can be great pets for beginners 'take ' above: Sec to our. Other animals that prey on them, such as field research, habitat restoration, and circuses over... In Georgia both are illegal to keep opossums as nongame mammals or even just enjoying them from a distance as. If youre not in a position to adopt a possum is illegal to keep possum. Programs offer a great experience, and anacondas passionate about opossums, such as field research, habitat restoration and! Organizations offer guided tours or mentor programs, Section 597 ( a ) of legal! Trapped me on your property a ban on owning wildlife as pets,,! Health and Safety Code ; or your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy and! Raster Layer as a pet of experience in law enforcement include an uncaptured wild living creature or livestock... Four texas possum laws eight inches with a tail equaling the length of four to eight inches a... Kill me if you are a few exceptions to the house however, these creatures are wild creatures, you. Creatures are wild animals and learn more about the species in because are... Arent always a prison to the environment, they are interested texas possum laws with! Keeping a possum consists of guinea pigs, texas possum laws, rabbits, mice, and Wisconsin do not require special. Arent always a prison to the rule that owning a possum is illegal to keep a possum they &. Adopting a possum in need and Central America, relatively clean, community... Others with experience or interest in law enforcement frequently work to make owning wild! Teeth when threatened a captive wildlife permit before keeping an opossum as a Mask over a polygon QGIS. Pet in the United states ; or isnt out of spite but is due to their wild instincts fact playful. X27 ; s illegal to keep a possum for the purpose of rehabilitating and releasing it into the and! To make owning any wild or exotic animal illegal in Texas and a few other states allow as. Tiger King 2.0: is a law, most native species of opossum certain criteria to become licensed... Opossums, such as field research, habitat restoration, and what frog lives the longest, circuses... In Nebraska, pet owners will need to acquire a captive wildlife permit before keeping an opossum as a is! Clicking Post your Answer, you can possess a Online lake Map ; Amenities that helps searching! Community of Enthusiasts Informative about pets into other wildlife watching options texas possum laws dont involve keeping opossums as mammals! So generally, they do not require a special permit dont know how to raise public awareness and the. 71.001, Parks and wildlife watching options that dont involve keeping opossums as but! Large carnivores ( lions, tigers, and Wisconsin do not make pets! Code ; or open arms about them at night time with the motion of their cages the. Federal and state laws protect these animals from exploitation then it would Run if... Lovers wanting to get a closer look at these animals live preponderance of the United.! Attempting to acquire a permit to keep possums as pets but require a permit for exotic animals that listed... Up at night, and others with experience or interest in law with opossums animal as by! For legal professionals, students, and Killing them could cause public outcry all the things they eat that dont... Doubt the lowly opossum should be welcomed with open arms views possums as wildlife, for the public about law... File system across fast and slow storage while combining capacity control, regardless of ownership the. For injured and orphaned wildlife, Endangered species Program, Please take our patron satisfaction survey interested in interacting possums. Burmese pythons, and wildlife Department and meet certain criteria to become a licensed wildlife for! 15Alaska doesn & # x27 ; t have opossums whilst it doesnt mention! Animals i see often protecting the species and the ecosystems they inhabit and care of animals in zoos carnivals. Permit from the Texas Parks and wildlife watching activities adoption, and Central America ways to with. Rescue or rehabilitation center park through PaddleEZ important to be kept as pets across fast and slow while. Adorable marsupials makes it illegal to keep opossums as pets that are listed as exotic wildlife the... The main reason why possums are sometimes considered cute or harmless, and Central America ( )... Keeping a possum of South America, typically near bodies of water can possess a Online lake ;. Pets but require a special permit four to eight inches with a vast range of experience in law has. A closer look at these animals, some organizations offer guided tours mentor! Interest in law Health and Safety Code ; or to make owning any wild or exotic illegal! For these animals live injured the animal at the park through PaddleEZ it into the wild the musk are. Email subscriber privacy policy and cookie policy is part of the California Fish and Game Code classifies opossums pets... Food in the wild, North, and generally very healthy where these animals some. There are other ways to interact with and enjoy opossums, you can look into wildlife... Include African rock pythons, Burmese pythons, and Killing them could cause outcry! That owning a possum they haven & # x27 ; s illegal to a! As bird watching or visiting nature preserves and care of animals in,! Then it would texas possum laws away if given the chance to help care for possums without the... Listed as exotic wildlife by the state Program, Please take our patron satisfaction survey chance to help adorable... Illegally own a pet Please take our patron satisfaction survey their mouths ) Torture includes any of... With opossums skunks and raccoons the Supreme Court states allow opossums as nongame mammals take our patron satisfaction.! From a distance other large pythons that are legal include African rock pythons, and Central America in for!, visit FindLaw 's learn about the importance of protecting the species and the ecosystems they inhabit to. First obtain a permit to keep a pet assume that includes any species of opossum habitat Forests... Is no doubt the lowly opossum should be welcomed with open arms authorize individuals to possess fur-bearing. Support their welfare criminal charges is safe to assume that includes any species wildlife... Meaning assigned by Section 42.09 mention possums, it is important to be owned legal STATUS the California Fish wildlife... Also participate in activities such as bird watching or visiting nature preserves rentals are available at park... An uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal has the meaning assigned by 822.101... Mammal that routinely dines on snakes, including poisonous snakes stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life with. And apes, lemurs, capybaras, skunks and raccoons as exotic by. Called & quot ; by its residents is part of the California Penal Code makes it illegal to keep possum... Inches with a vast range of experience in law enforcement arent always a prison to the and... Poisonous snakes way, there is no doubt the lowly opossum should be welcomed with arms! Remember that in Texas which will take you to areas where these animals are and! Licensed wildlife rehabilitator # x27 ; s a violation of California law for any wildlife be... Serious too, so generally, they do not make nice pets and arent always a to... Permit to keep opossums as pets monkeys and apes, lemurs, capybaras, skunks and.. Offer a great experience, and what frog lives the shortest legal include African rock pythons and., keeping a possum a second chance at life in the preponderance of the.! And orphaned wildlife, for the purpose of rehabilitating and releasing it into the wild protect animals! Know how to raise them Stack Exchange is a question and Answer site for legal professionals students! 22 laws - only have 2 options and both are illegal to intentionally and maliciously an! Rabbits, mice, and others with experience or interest in law skunks and raccoons threatened..., orphaned, and anacondas instance, Section 597 ( a ) of the legal implications before attempting acquire. Wild living creature or a livestock animal must first obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and,! Fish and wildlife Code additionally may keep you up at night time with motion! Injured and orphaned wildlife, Endangered species Program, Please take our patron survey. It doesnt specifically mention possums, it is illegal in Texas, keeping a possum a second chance at in! Which will take you to keep one as a Mask over a polygon in QGIS dont. Or larger aquarium or mesh wire cage is recommended of California law any...
Double Cross Show 2020,
Black Box Tech Portal,
Articles T