Licenses / Permits to Rehab Opossums

[Rhapsody]

While I know we can rehab Squirrels in the State of Florida with out fear of getting in trouble - I am now wondering IF this same laws applies to people that rehab opossums in the State of Florida. Do we need a License or a special Permit to retain an Opossums in our care in Florida?

........ or is the opossum permit just for people that desire to keep one as a pet?



:thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

Possession is not illegal...rehabbing and releasing, or selling requires a permit.

would anyone like to read these laws or should we just fogggitaboutit!:thumbsup

Isn't it funny....anyone can have a possum for a pet...but you better not rehab it and release it! Crazy laws.

[Kristal]

Possession is not illegal...rehabbing and releasing, or selling requires a permit.

would anyone like to read these laws or should we just fogggitaboutit!:thumbsup

Isn't it funny....anyone can have a possum for a pet...but you better not rehab it and release it! Crazy laws.

Mmm, indeed. I have heard that it is the same thing for squirrels here. You can have them, but you are not allowed to release them onto anything but private property and with permission. Still, I guess it is better than provinces which are insanely over-regulated, like Ontario.

[Pashen]

In Minnesota, you can own/possess/rehab, do whatever you want with a coyote, but not a squirrel.

You need a permit through the DNR to rehab orphan squirrels, which requires training and experience. But you can never keep a squirrel as a pet.

You figure that one out.

Squirrel. Coyote.

[Jackie in Tampa]

In florida, a LR can obtain a permit, educational class wildlife permit (or something along those lines)to keep disabled wildlife..It's a one time $50 fee.

[stosh2010]

In florida, a LR can obtain a permit, Educational Class Wildlife Permit (or something along those lines)to keep disabled wildlife..It's a one time $50 fee.
I wonder If I had a Florida ECWP I could transport my 2 guys out of Costa Rica ???

[Rhapsody]

OK - Thanks guys....... Some one said some thing on Facebook (not to me - just in general talk) that got me to thinking and I wanted to make sure the six little possums trusted to my care where safe in my house. :)

[Chickenlegs]

I have two possums that were supposed to be released but the sites fell through and there wasn't another with no free range dogs AND a good water source. They're so rotten now I think maybe they wouldn't be good candidates--too habituated--will climb up anybody's leg. Possums are the most interesting critters but probably not real good pet material. They take a careful diet (as if squirrels don't!) and seem to get MBD when you look at em. They need large habitats and lots of exercise. NOT a cage animal and while I've had house possums, they don't do well with other critters. They just want to eat em. Still--I do love possums and am kinda surprised that states have such wide ranging regulations regarding possums--and all wildlife. Bet all of em say the rules are for the benefit of the animal too. Yeah sure.

[island rehabber]

I wonder If I had a Florida ECWP I could transport my 2 guys out of Costa Rica ???

OR, since they are not native wildlife in the USA, maybe you could get regular "Exotic Animal Permits" to bring them in, the same way they bring in sugar gliders & other exotics? :dono