Possums
There are two types of possums in urban areas - the Common Ringtail Possum and the Common Brushtail Possum.
The Common Brushtail Possum is about the same size as a cat. It has large pointed ears, grey fur and a bushy black tail.
The Common Ringtail Possumis much smaller, about half the size of a cat. Ringtail possums have round ears, a grey back with rusty sides and a curled tail with a white tip.
Possums are native wildlife. All native wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the relocation of possums is prohibited.
Possums can sometimes create a nuisance for residents for a variety of reasons – such as noises in the roof, damage to gardens or plants, droppings on paved areas and causing dogs to bark.
Possums may be trapped, but only to remove them from a roof. They must be released on the same property within 50 metres of the capture site. Licensed wildlife controllers are also authorised to trap possums but they will not relocate them to another site.
Common Ringtail Possums remain fully protected and may not be trapped.
Contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email at customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au for a list of licensed possum controllers.
Click here to read DSE's possum fact sheet, which includes information on how to report injured possums.
Further information
Local Laws and Animal Management - Compliance Branch
9205 5063
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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