Like all other native animals, possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. They must not be harmed in any way or kept without an authority from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

• It is illegal to handle or interfere with possums except when they are in your roof, or other buildings.
• Possums can only be trapped in appropriate traps by the householder or a licensed wildlife controller.
• Trapped possums must be released that day on the same property, in their own territory, within 50 metres of the capture site.
• If this is not practical, they can be taken to a registered veterinarian and be killed humanely, at your expense.

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.

Further information:

Flora and Fauna Branch
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Parade,
East Melbourne 3002

Or your local regional office of the
Department of Natural Resources and Environment

RSPCA
3 Burwood Highway
Burwood East 3151
(03) 9808 5111