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?
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.
