Can You Keep a Possum as a Pet in California?

Despite their charming appearance and gentle nature, possums are wild animals and not well-suited for life as pets in California. Here's why keeping a possum as a pet in California is not recommended.

Legal Restrictions

1. State Laws: Possessing, keeping, or importing possums as pets is prohibited by the California Fish and Game Code. It's illegal to take, possess, or transport any wild animal without proper authorization from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

2. Federal Laws: The federal Lacey Act prohibits the transport and sale of wildlife across state lines without proper permits and documentation. Keeping a possum as a pet could violate federal laws as well.

Behavioral Considerations

1. Diet: Possums have a varied diet that includes fruits, berries, insects, and small animals. Providing a balanced and nutritious diet for a possum in captivity can be challenging.

2. Nocturnal Habits: Possums are nocturnal animals and their activity peaks at night. Keeping a possum as a pet may disrupt your sleep and daily routine.

3. Socialization: Possums are solitary animals and do not typically seek or enjoy close interactions with humans. They may become stressed or aggressive if forced into a domesticated environment.

Health and Safety Concerns

1. Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as raccoon roundworm and leptospirosis. Contact with their saliva, urine, or feces can pose health risks.

2. Bites and Injuries: Possums have sharp teeth and claws that they may use for defense if they feel threatened. Bites and scratches from possums can cause injuries and require medical attention.

3. Environmental Impact: Introducing non-native species like possums into an ecosystem can have detrimental effects on native wildlife and disrupt the delicate balance of the environment.

Legal Alternatives

1. Licensed Facilities: There are licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries that care for injured or orphaned possums. If you find a possum in need of assistance, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center.

2. Educational Programs: Some wildlife education centers offer programs where you can learn about possums and their natural behavior without keeping them as pets.

3. Wildlife Observation: You can observe and appreciate possums in their natural habitats by visiting wildlife parks, nature reserves, or participating in guided wildlife tours.

Conclusion: Keeping a possum as a pet in California is not recommended due to legal restrictions, behavioral challenges, health and safety concerns, and the availability of legal alternatives. Possums are best left in their natural habitats where they can thrive without posing risks to humans or the environment.