Can You Rear a Baby Possum? Legal & Ethical Considerations

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Finding a baby possum may be distressing, but attempting to raise it yourself can be dangerous for both the animal and you. Learn the legal, ethical, and practical considerations of caring for a baby possum.

Can you rear a baby possum?
Can you rear a baby possum?

What Should You Do If You Find a Baby Possum?

1. Assess the Possum’s Condition

  • If the possum is cold, injured, or not moving, it likely needs urgent care.
  • A healthy possum will hide or run away, so easy capture suggests serious issues.

2. Possible Reasons for Orphaned Possums

  • Mother killed by a car or predator (dog or cat attack).
  • Fell from the mother’s pouch due to weakness or illness.
  • Rejected due to underlying health problems.

3. Take the Possum to a Vet or Wildlife Carer

  • A vet will assess injuries and provide first aid.
  • The possum will be transferred to licensed wildlife carers who have training and specialized food.

Why Can’t You Keep and Raise a Baby Possum?

1. Legal Restrictions on Keeping Native Wildlife

  • In Queensland, you need a Wildlife Rehabilitation Licence to care for native animals.
  • Possums must be released back into the wild, not kept as pets.

2. Possums Require Specialized Care

  • Baby possums need species-specific nutrition that household foods cannot provide.
  • Improper care can lead to malnutrition, illness, and death.

3. Possums Hide Signs of Illness

  • Wildlife instinctively conceal injuries to avoid predators.
  • Internal injuries from falls or attacks may not be visible but can be fatal.

How to Become a Licensed Wildlife Carer

If you are passionate about helping wildlife, consider formal wildlife care training.

1. Wildlife Rescue and Training Organizations in Brisbane

  • Wildcare
  • ONARR (Organisation for Native Animals Rescue & Rehabilitation)
  • BARN (Brisbane Area Rescue Network)

2. Steps to Becoming a Wildlife Carer

  • Attend training workshops on native animal care.
  • Work under experienced carers to gain hands-on experience.
  • Obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitation Licence to legally care for injured or orphaned animals.

Final Thoughts on Rearing Baby Possums

While finding a baby possum may be heartbreaking, raising it without training is illegal and risky. The best action is to take the possum to a vet or licensed wildlife carer who can provide proper care and rehabilitation.

For expert possum removal or advice, contact Peter the Possum & Bird Man today.