Where Is A Good Place To Relocate A Trapped Opossum?

If you are trying to find a good place to relocate an opossum, then you have likely trapped a nuisance near your home. It is not unusual to find opossums in attics, under porches or even in and under sheds in the back yard.

Opossums are opportunistic creatures with a diet of variety. This has allowed them to thrive in both rural and urban locations. No matter the setting, however, opossums rarely live more than three years on average.

If you have trapped an opossum and don’t relocate it properly, it is likely to come back. Opossums will return to a place that offers abundant food, water and shelter. They can cause a lot of damage and terrorize household pets.



Opossums Habitat

An opossum’s natural habitat is typically a wooded area near a water source, like a lake or stream. They are great climbers who often live in hollowed out tree cavities. While they will also nest in lower cavities, opossums typically feel safer above the ground.

Wild opossums will usually spend their lives traversing the same forty acres of land. They get to know that land and its food sources very well.

Urban opossums can be found in attics, trees and even wall cavities. They will take up residence under porches and sheds, too. Remember, they are opportunistic creatures.

Relocating Opossums

When relocating an opossum, it must be taken far enough away that it can’t return. If they are released less than five miles from where they were trapped, chances are that they will come back.

If your local laws allow for relocation, look for public land or even a wildlife preserve. You want to find a heavily wooded area near an abundant water source. If the animal can easily find food, water and shelter, then it shouldn’t return.

Keep in mind that opossums often play dead as a natural defense. When it is time to release them, they may not leave right away. You’ll need to open the cage, step away and be patient. An opossum can play dead for thirty minutes or more.

When the opossum is ready and it doesn’t sense any danger, then it will leave on its own. Let it scurry off into the woods before returning to retrieve the cage. This is the best way to relocate an opossum safely, while giving it the best chance for survival.

If you live in a city and aren’t sure where you should take it, contact your local wildlife management team. They are usually happy to help, especially in situations where a wild animal has been trapped.


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