Possums

Possums are native animals and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. They must not be harmed and can't be kept without an authority from the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Two types of possums regularly sighted in Stonnington are the Common Brushtail possum (the size of a cat with dark grey fur, large pointed ears and bushy, black tail) and the Common Ringtail possum (about half the size of a cat with round ears, grey to brown fur and a long curled tail with a white tip).

These nocturnal marsupials are attracted to trees and gardens in suburban areas because they provide a similar environment to their natural habitat. Possums are also attracted to the food sources provided by the many flowers, leaves and fruit of the native and exotic trees and plants in the home garden. People should never feed possums as this negatively impacts on their diet and is likely to attract unsustainable numbers of possums to the area.

In the past, possums were often trapped and relocated if they were causing serious damage to a property. Recent studies have found that possums do not cope well with this practice and generally die within a few days of being released in their new environment. Removing a possum from your property also just makes room for another one to move in.

Alternative housing for Possums

Possums tend to nest in tree hollows, but when they are not available they often move into the rooves of houses. Installing a nest box in the garden is a good way to provide them a suitable home, and keeps them out of the roof. The Department of Sustainability and Environment website provides details for nest box suppliers, and notes on how to make your own box.

Trapping Possums

Possums can be trapped in order to remove them from a roof, however as they are a native animal, they can't be relocated to another site. Instead, they must be released on the same property within 50 metres of the capture site. If this is not practical, they can be taken to a registered veterinarian to be killed humanely. A licensed wildlife controller (check the Yellow Pages under Pest Control), or a capable person can trap and remove the possum.

Breaching any of these regulations carries a penalty of up to $5,000. There is no other legal avenue to deal with possums. Relocating possums is both illegal and inhumane.