FAUNA RESCUE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC.
|
Possum Boxes For Sale...click here GUIDELINES FOR USE OF POSSUM/CAT TRAPS
To trap and release a possum, you are required to apply for a Trap and Release Permit from the Department of Environment and Heritage. This permit needs to be obtained before the animal is trapped. It is illegal to release a trapped possum into another area. You are required, by law, to release the possum AFTER DARK ON THE SAME PROPERTY WITHIN 24 HOURS AND WITHIN 50 METRES OF THE SITE OF CAPTURE. Usually, this requires release on the same property on which they were trapped. Here are a few tips to help you;
1. Whenever setting a trap in your roof, you should place it as near as possible to the manhole. It is best to place the trap over a ceiling beam, for support. Remember too, that if you go looking for a possum by climbing all over the ceiling, you may be putting yourself at risk. Frightened and panicked possums can scratch and bite - causing you harm, or even sending you falling through the ceiling.
2. There could be more than one possum living in your roof. The trap needs to be set for at least 7 continuous days to make sure all resident possums have been removed. Babies can easily get left behind.
3. When setting a possum trap, use a firm piece of fruit that will stay on the hook. Half an apple is usually best.
4. Replace the bait daily. A possum will not eat stale fruit. This can be done in the morning when you check your trap.
5. The most important thing to remember about setting any trap is to NEVER set and forget about it. You must ALWAYS REMEMBER IT IS THERE AND CHECK THE POSSUM TRAP DAILY. It must be checked EVERY MORNING. DO NOT LEAVE A POSSUM ALL DAY IN A HOT ROOF, which can reach temperatures of over 50 degrees.
6. After you have captured the possum, remove the trap from the ceiling and place it in a quiet, dark room and cover with a towel or blanket. You must remember these are wild animals and, can inflict injuries to prying fingers etc. Keep children and pets away from the trap!
7. Release the possum in your yard early in the evening by opening the trap door and letting the possum run up aE suitable tree.
8. If you are going away for a any length of time, either remove the trap or close it. To do otherwise would certainly kill any trapped and forgotten animal.
9. You must ascertain how the possum got into your roof and seal the entry point. It may be a small gap between the roof and wall or even a loose or broken tile. Repair, or cover, the hole to stop any other possums from moving in.
10. It is also recommended that you provide alternative accommodation for possums. Encouraging them into a NESTING BOX installed in a backyard tree should help!
If you follow these guidelines you should not have any trouble. Although these animals can be a nuisance to the homeowner, they are our native animals and need to be treated with kindness and respect.
For more information please contact us or the Department of Environment and Heritage. Information on living with possums and some possum friendly ideas on offering alternative nesting sites, such as a possum box, and discouraging possums from eating your flowers, can be found on our website www.faunarescue.org.au and the Department's website at www.environment.sa.gov.ay/biodiversity/possums.html
|
