Whether it is legal to have a pet opossum depends almost entirely on which state you live in and whether the opossum was legally acquired from a captive breeder. Most states either prohibit pet opossum ownership outright or require a specific wildlife possession permit to keep one legally.
The Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is native to the United States, and that native status is exactly what makes the legal picture complicated. Native wildlife is regulated differently from exotic imported animals in most states.
This article covers which states allow pet opossums, which ban them, what permits look like, the critical wild-caught versus captive-bred distinction, and what happens if you own one illegally. Every major state with a high search volume on this topic gets its own dedicated section.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum?
It is legal to have a pet opossum in some US states but illegal in most without a specific permit, and the rules depend heavily on how the opossum was obtained. No single federal law bans pet opossum ownership outright, but the majority of states restrict or prohibit it through wildlife possession statutes.
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. Its native status triggers most states’ native wildlife possession laws, which apply stricter standards than those used for non-native exotic animals. A non-native parrot or sugar glider often faces different and sometimes lighter regulation than a native opossum.
The legality divides into three categories across states: states where private opossum ownership is allowed without a permit, states where it requires a wildlife possession permit, and states that ban it entirely for private residents.
Quick Legal Overview:
| Legal Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Permitted, no license | Very few states; typically no explicit prohibition |
| Permitted with wildlife permit | Several states with structured permit systems |
| Prohibited for private ownership | Majority of states |
| Permitted for wildlife rehab only | Most ban states allow licensed rehabilitators |
| Federal law | No universal ban; Lacey Act applies to interstate transport |
Always verify with your specific state wildlife agency before acquiring any opossum, as state laws are updated regularly and the 2026 rules take precedence over any previously published list.
Is It Legal to Have an Opossum as a Pet?
Having an opossum as a pet is legal with proper permits in a limited number of states, and fully prohibited in most of the country. The word “pet” is doing significant legal work in this question. Many states allow opossums only for educational purposes, wildlife rehabilitation, or research, not as companion animals.
The distinction between a “pet” and a “captive wildlife possession” matters to state wildlife agencies. A pet implies a companion animal relationship without regulatory oversight. A captive wildlife possession typically requires a license, inspections, documentation of the animal’s origin, and renewal of the permit annually.
Even in states that allow private opossum possession, calling the animal a “pet” rather than a “captive wildlife specimen” can affect how the law treats your ownership. Meeting the state’s formal permit requirements is what makes the arrangement legal regardless of what you call the animal.
When Opossum Ownership May Be Legal:
- The state has no explicit prohibition on opossum possession
- The owner has obtained the required captive wildlife or exotic animal permit
- The opossum was acquired from a licensed captive breeder with documentation
- The owner’s housing meets state minimum enclosure requirements
- The permit has been renewed and is current for 2026
Without meeting all applicable conditions simultaneously, even partial compliance does not create legal ownership.
Is It Illegal to Have a Pet Opossum?
It is illegal to have a pet opossum in the majority of US states. Most state wildlife codes classify the Virginia opossum as native wildlife or a non-game species, and possession of native wildlife without authorization is illegal in virtually every state.
States that explicitly prohibit private opossum ownership include California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and many others. In these states, there is no permit pathway for private citizens to own an opossum as a pet. The prohibition is absolute for non-licensed individuals.
Hawaii stands alone as the most restrictive state for any exotic or native wildlife. Hawaii bans virtually all animals not already established on the islands, and opossums are firmly on the prohibited list.
- California: banned under California Fish and Game Code as native wildlife
- Georgia: classified as inherently dangerous under state exotic animal law
- Hawaii: banned under Hawaii Revised Statutes along with virtually all non-domestic animals
- New York: prohibited under Environmental Conservation Law
- Pennsylvania: banned under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code
- Maryland: prohibited for private possession under Maryland Natural Resources Code
In these states, possession of an opossum without a wildlife rehabilitation or educational permit is a criminal offense subject to fines and potential jail time.
Key Takeaway: Pet opossum ownership is illegal in most US states without specific permits, and several major states including California, New York, and Georgia prohibit it entirely for private residents with no permit pathway available.
Can You Own a Pet Opossum?
You can own a pet opossum legally in a small number of US states, but the conditions attached to legal ownership are more demanding than most people expect. Even in permissive states, ownership typically requires documented proof of captive breeding, proper housing, and in many cases an active permit.
States where opossum ownership has historically been more permissive include Indiana, Ohio (with permit), Florida (with permit), Texas (with conditions), Tennessee (with permit), and a handful of others. These states have either no explicit opossum prohibition or a structured permit pathway that allows private possession.
The practical barrier beyond the legal one is finding a legally obtained opossum. Captive-bred Virginia opossums are not common in the pet trade. Responsible breeders who sell opossums legally are rare, and a wild-caught opossum is illegal to possess in almost every state regardless of whether the state otherwise allows opossum ownership.
States With Opossum Ownership Permission (General List):
| State | Permit Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | No (historically) | No explicit state prohibition |
| Ohio | Yes | Captive wildlife permit from ODNR |
| Florida | Yes | Class III wildlife permit from FFWCC |
| Tennessee | Yes | Captive wildlife permit from TWRA |
| Texas | Conditional | Depends on acquisition method |
| South Carolina | Limited | Permit pathway exists |
This list reflects general historical classifications. Always confirm current 2026 rules with the specific state wildlife agency before acquiring any animal.
Where Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum?
Opossum ownership is legal in a cluster of states primarily in the South, Midwest, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, with most permissive states requiring a permit. No state in the continental US allows completely unrestricted private opossum ownership with no conditions or documentation.
The most permissive geographic area for opossum ownership is the rural Midwest and parts of the South where hunting and wildlife traditions make possession of native species more culturally and legally acceptable. States like Indiana, Tennessee, and parts of Appalachia have historically been more open to keeping opossums.
The most restrictive areas are the coasts, particularly California and the northeastern states, and Hawaii. These states combine strong native wildlife protection laws with general exotic animal restrictions.
Geographic Overview:
- Southeast: Florida and Tennessee allow with permits; Georgia and North Carolina ban
- Midwest: Indiana permissive; Ohio allows with permit; Illinois ban
- South: Texas conditional; Louisiana restricted
- Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts all ban
- West: California bans; Wyoming and Montana more open
- Hawaii: Bans virtually all non-domestic animals
Local county and city ordinances can impose additional restrictions even within permissive states. A county in Indiana might have an ordinance banning exotic or wildlife animals even if Indiana state law is permissive.
What States Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum?
States where it is legal to have a pet opossum include Indiana, Ohio (with permit), Florida (with permit), Tennessee (with permit), Texas (with conditions), and a small number of others as of 2026. This is a short list compared to the number of states that prohibit it.
The exact count of permissive states changes as legislatures update wildlife codes. A state that was permissive in 2022 may have enacted restrictions by 2026. Treating any static published list as definitive without checking current state law is a legal risk.
Indiana has historically been one of the most permissive states for opossum ownership with no explicit state prohibition. That permissive status can change, and local ordinances within Indiana can still restrict ownership in specific counties or municipalities.
Confirmed Permissive States (2026 General Status):
- Indiana: No specific state ban on record
- Ohio: Legal with ODNR captive wildlife permit
- Florida: Legal with FFWCC Class III wildlife permit
- Tennessee: Legal with TWRA captive wildlife permit
- South Carolina: Permit pathway exists
- West Virginia: Limited permissions under state wildlife code
- Wyoming: Rural state, relatively permissive
Each of these states’ wildlife agencies is the authoritative source for 2026 rules. State agency websites and direct contact are the only reliable way to confirm current permit requirements.
States Where Opossums Are Legal Pets
The states where opossums are legal as pets are a small subset of all US states, and even within that subset, the term “legal” almost always means “legal with conditions.” Unconditional opossum pet ownership is not confirmed in any state.
States that have established permit systems allowing private opossum possession include Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee as the clearest examples. These states have formal Class III or captive wildlife permit systems that cover opossums specifically and allow private citizens to obtain the animal legally through a licensed process.
Indiana sits in a different category. The state has not enacted an explicit prohibition, which creates a legal gray area where possession may not be a crime, but it also means there is no formal permit system that affirmatively authorizes it. Gray area is not the same as green light.
What “Legal” Actually Means in Permissive States:
- Florida: Legal with Class III Wildlife permit from FFWCC
- Ohio: Legal with Captive Wildlife permit from ODNR
- Tennessee: Legal with permit from TWRA
- Indiana: Not explicitly prohibited, but no formal authorization system
- Texas: Conditional based on acquisition method and local rules
- South Carolina: Permit available through wildlife agency
In every case, the opossum must be obtained from a legal source. A permit allows you to possess the animal. It does not legalize possession of a wild-caught opossum obtained without documentation.
States Where Opossums Are Illegal as Pets
States where opossums are illegal as pets make up the majority of the United States. These states classify opossums as native wildlife and prohibit private possession without specific professional licensing that is not available to ordinary pet owners.
Confirmed ban states include California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This is not an exhaustive list. Many other states have equivalent prohibitions through their general native wildlife possession laws.
The penalties in ban states for illegally possessing an opossum are generally misdemeanor-level for a first offense involving simple possession. But selling, transporting across state lines, or repeat possession can escalate to felony charges or federal Lacey Act violations.
| State | Legal Basis for Ban | Charge Level |
|---|---|---|
| California | California Fish and Game Code | Misdemeanor to felony |
| New York | Environmental Conservation Law | Misdemeanor |
| Georgia | Exotic animal dangerous wildlife law | Misdemeanor |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Revised Statutes, broad ban | Misdemeanor to felony |
| Illinois | Illinois Wildlife Code | Misdemeanor |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code | Summary offense to misdemeanor |
Key Takeaway: The majority of US states ban private opossum ownership entirely, and the states that allow it require permits and legal acquisition documentation. A wild-caught opossum is illegal in every state without wildlife rehabilitation credentials.
Opossum Ownership Laws by State
Opossum ownership laws vary across all 50 states based on how each state classifies the Virginia opossum under its wildlife code. The three main classification categories are native wildlife, non-game species, and fur-bearing animal. Each classification carries different possession rules.
States that classify opossums as native wildlife or non-game species typically prohibit private possession without professional licensing. States that classify them as fur-bearing animals may allow possession under trapping season rules or fur-bearer licensing that differs from standard exotic pet permits.
The legal framework governing opossum ownership in any state involves checking at least three things: the state’s native wildlife possession statute, any specific exotic or captive wildlife permit program, and any local county or municipal ordinances that may add restrictions.
| State | Classification | Private Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Class III Wildlife | Legal with FFWCC permit |
| Ohio | Native wildlife | Legal with ODNR permit |
| Tennessee | Captive wildlife | Legal with TWRA permit |
| California | Native wildlife | Prohibited |
| New York | Protected wildlife | Prohibited |
| Indiana | Unclassified (no ban) | Gray area, no formal permit |
| Georgia | Dangerous wildlife | Prohibited |
| Texas | Native wildlife, fur-bearer | Conditional |
The table above reflects general state classifications. The specific permit type required, fee, housing standards, and renewal period differ by state and must be confirmed with each state’s wildlife agency directly.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum in Texas?
Having a pet opossum in Texas is legal under specific conditions, primarily governed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code which classifies the Virginia opossum as a fur-bearing animal. Fur-bearing animals in Texas can be possessed legally under certain acquisition conditions.
Texas law allows possession of opossums taken during a legal trapping season. Opossums obtained from licensed captive breeders with proper documentation may also be possessed legally. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the governing agency, and its regulations on fur-bearing animal possession apply to opossums specifically.
The complications in Texas arise from local ordinances. Many Texas cities and counties have adopted exotic animal ordinances that restrict or prohibit wildlife species beyond what state law requires. A Texas resident living in Austin, Houston, or Dallas may face city-level restrictions even if state law would otherwise permit opossum possession.
Texas Opossum Ownership Key Facts:
- Governing statute: Texas Parks and Wildlife Code (fur-bearing animal provisions)
- Governing agency: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
- Wild-caught: Legal during trapping season
- Captive-bred: Legal with documented acquisition from licensed source
- Local restrictions: Cities and counties may impose additional bans
- Permit required: Varies based on acquisition method and local rules
Texas is more permissive than most states on this issue, but local ordinance research is essential before acquiring an opossum in any Texas city.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum in California?
It is not legal to have a pet opossum in California. California has some of the strictest wildlife possession laws in the US, and opossums are native to California, which places them squarely under the state’s native wildlife protection laws.
California Fish and Game Code Section 3005.5 and related provisions prohibit the possession of native wildlife without specific departmental authorization. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not issue private pet possession permits for native wildlife. The only people who can legally possess opossums in California are licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and their possession is temporary and purpose-specific.
California enforcement of wildlife possession laws is active. A person found with an opossum in California without wildlife rehabilitation credentials faces confiscation of the animal, civil fines, and potential misdemeanor criminal charges. Repeat violations can result in felony charges under California law.
California Opossum Ownership Facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Governing law | California Fish and Game Code Section 3005.5 |
| Classification | Native wildlife |
| Private ownership permitted | No |
| Permit pathway for private citizens | None available |
| Who can legally possess | Licensed wildlife rehabilitators only |
| Enforcement agency | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) |
| Penalty | Fines, confiscation, misdemeanor charges |
California offers zero legal pathway for ordinary residents to keep an opossum as a companion animal. This is one of the clearest and most absolute prohibitions on the list.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum in Florida?
It is legal to have a pet opossum in Florida with a Class III Wildlife permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida’s structured wildlife permit system allows private citizens to obtain opossums legally when they meet the permit requirements.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 68A-6 classifies opossums as Class III wildlife. Class III is the lowest-risk category in Florida’s system, which also includes animals like squirrels, parakeets, and certain reptiles. The permit is accessible compared to Class I or II permits for more dangerous animals.
Obtaining a Florida Class III permit requires submitting an application to the FFWCC, demonstrating that the applicant has adequate and appropriate housing for the animal, paying the applicable fee, and providing documentation of the opossum’s legal origin. The permit must be renewed annually.
Florida Class III Wildlife Permit for Opossums:
- Governing regulation: Florida Administrative Code Rule 68A-6
- Issuing agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC)
- Classification: Class III Wildlife
- Application required: Yes
- Annual renewal: Yes
- Housing standards: Must meet FFWCC minimum enclosure requirements
- Acquisition requirement: Must document legal captive-bred source
Florida’s permit system is one of the most accessible state systems for legal opossum ownership in the US. The structured process provides legal clarity that states with informal or no prohibition lack.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Opossum in Ohio?
It is legal to have a pet opossum in Ohio with a Captive Wildlife permit issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Ohio requires this permit for possession of native wildlife including opossums.
Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1533, certain native wildlife species require a possession permit. Ohio’s captive wildlife permit system requires documentation that the opossum was legally obtained, proof of proper housing, and an application to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Ohio tightened its exotic and native wildlife possession rules significantly following the 2011 Zanesville incident, where dangerous animals were released.
Ohio applicants for an opossum possession permit must show the animal was obtained from a licensed source, typically a captive breeder in another permissive state. Wild-caught opossums are not eligible for legal private possession in Ohio regardless of permit status.
Ohio Opossum Permit Facts:
- Governing law: Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1533
- Issuing agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
- Permit type: Captive Wildlife Permit
- Wild-caught animals: Not eligible for private possession permits
- Captive-bred required: Yes, with documentation
- Housing inspection: May be required before or after permit issuance
Ohio’s permit system provides a legal pathway but requires real documentation and compliance. An Ohio resident who finds a wild opossum and keeps it without a permit is committing a wildlife possession violation.
Do You Need a Permit to Own an Opossum?
Whether you need a permit to own an opossum depends on your state. In states that allow opossum ownership at all, the answer is almost always yes, a permit is required. In states that prohibit ownership, no permit is available to private citizens regardless of circumstances.
Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and several other permissive states all require formal permits before a private citizen can legally possess an opossum. The permit systems in these states typically require proof of legal acquisition, housing standards, application fees, and annual renewal. Some require inspections before or after issuing the permit.
The permit requirement exists because opossums are regulated as wildlife, not as domestic animals. You don’t need a permit to own a dog or cat. You do need one to own wildlife in any state that allows it, because the wildlife agency needs to track what species are being possessed and ensure they were legally obtained.
Typical Permit Requirements Across States:
- Completed application submitted to state wildlife agency
- Documentation of legal opossum acquisition (breeder receipt or transfer records)
- Proof of appropriate housing and enclosure meeting state standards
- Payment of application and permit fee
- Annual renewal with current documentation
- Possible facility inspection by wildlife officer
- In some states: demonstrated experience with wildlife care
Skipping the permit in a permit-required state is not a technicality. It makes possession criminal.
Is It Legal to Keep a Wild Opossum?
It is not legal to keep a wild opossum in any US state without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. Wild-caught opossums cannot be legally kept as pets in any state, period. Even in the most permissive states for opossum ownership, the legal permission applies only to captive-bred animals from documented sources.
Wild opossums are protected by state native wildlife possession laws in every state. Taking a wild opossum from its habitat and keeping it at home is illegal in all 50 states regardless of whether the state otherwise allows opossum possession. The Lacey Act at 16 USC 3372 also prohibits the interstate transport of wildlife taken in violation of state law, adding a federal dimension to any wild-caught opossum kept across state lines.
The wild-caught prohibition exists for multiple reasons. Wild opossums carry parasites, potential disease exposure, and extreme stress responses to captivity that make them unsuitable pets and a public health concern. Wildlife agencies protect wild populations from depletion through casual capture for pet keeping.
Wild vs. Captive-Bred: The Legal Difference:
| Source | Legal for Private Possession |
|---|---|
| Wild-caught, any state | Illegal in all 50 states without rehab permit |
| Captive-bred, permissive state | Legal with proper permit and documentation |
| Captive-bred, ban state | Illegal regardless of opossum’s origin |
| Wildlife rehabilitator release | Cannot transition to private pet status |
| Roadside rescue, kept as pet | Illegal without rehabilitation permit |
A captive-bred opossum from a licensed breeder in Florida, sold with documentation to a permit-holding Ohio resident, represents the only type of legal private opossum ownership in the US.
Can You Rescue and Keep an Opossum?
Rescuing and keeping an opossum as a permanent pet is not legal in any US state without specific wildlife rehabilitation credentials and authorization. Finding an injured or orphaned opossum does not grant the right to keep it.
The legal process for handling a found opossum in any state is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your state’s wildlife agency. They are authorized to receive and care for injured or orphaned native wildlife. A private citizen who picks up a hurt opossum from the road can transport it to a licensed rehabilitator without penalty in most states, but keeping it permanently is a different matter entirely.
Wildlife rehabilitation permits allow licensed individuals to temporarily care for injured wildlife with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. These permits do not authorize permanent pet keeping. A rehabilitated opossum that becomes too habituated to humans to be released is typically placed with a licensed educational facility, not turned over to a private pet owner.
What to Do If You Find an Injured Opossum:
- Contact your state wildlife agency immediately for guidance
- Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area (state agencies maintain lists)
- Transport the animal to the rehabilitator if instructed to do so
- Do not attempt to care for it yourself without authorization
- Do not assume you can keep it after nursing it back to health
- Understand that wildlife rehabilitation permits and pet possession permits are different authorizations
The emotional impulse to rescue and keep a vulnerable animal is understandable. The legal framework that governs native wildlife does not accommodate it.
What Happens If You Illegally Own an Opossum?
If you illegally own an opossum, the consequences include confiscation of the animal, civil fines, and criminal charges ranging from a misdemeanor summary offense to a felony depending on your state and the circumstances. The animal will almost always be confiscated regardless of charge level.
In most states, first-offense illegal opossum possession is charged as a misdemeanor. Fines typically range from $250 to $2,500 for a first offense involving simple possession of one animal. Repeat offenses, possession of multiple animals, evidence of sale or trade, or interstate transport escalate the severity of charges.
The Lacey Act at the federal level adds exposure when an illegally possessed opossum was transported across state lines. Federal Lacey Act violations for trafficking in illegally taken wildlife can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to one year in federal prison for misdemeanor violations, with felony charges available for more serious trafficking cases.
| Violation Type | Typical Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Simple possession, ban state, first offense | $250 to $2,500 fine, misdemeanor | Animal confiscated |
| Repeat possession offense | Enhanced fines, possible felony | Possible ban on future wildlife permits |
| Interstate transport of illegal wildlife | Lacey Act federal charge | Up to $10,000 fine, up to 1 year federal prison |
| Sale or commercial trade | Felony in most states | Federal Lacey Act felony possible |
| Possession while on probation | Probation violation on top of new charge | Risk of incarceration |
Beyond criminal penalties, a convicted person typically loses eligibility for any wildlife-related permits in the future, which means even if the state later becomes permissive, a prior conviction may bar legal opossum ownership permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to have a pet opossum without a permit?
No, having a pet opossum without a permit is illegal in any state that requires one, and most permissive states do require permits.
Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee all mandate a specific captive wildlife or exotic animal permit before private possession is legal.
In states where opossum ownership is prohibited, no permit is available to private citizens regardless of circumstances.
The only truly gray area is in states like Indiana that have no explicit prohibition and no formal permit system, but even there, the absence of a ban is not a positive legal authorization.
Can you keep a wild opossum you found as a pet?
No, keeping a wild-caught opossum as a pet is illegal in all 50 states without a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Even in states where captive-bred opossum ownership is permitted, wild-caught animals cannot be kept legally by private citizens.
The correct action when finding an injured or orphaned opossum is to contact your state wildlife agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Keeping a found opossum without authorization is a wildlife possession violation that can result in fines, criminal charges, and confiscation.
What states allow pet opossums without a permit?
No US state affirmatively allows pet opossum ownership with zero conditions or documentation.
Indiana is the most commonly cited example of a permissive state because it has no explicit prohibition, but that is not the same as legal authorization without conditions.
Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee allow private opossum possession with formal captive wildlife permits that require applications, fees, housing standards, and annual renewal.
All other states either ban opossum ownership entirely or fall into regulatory gray areas without formal permit pathways.
What is the penalty for illegally owning an opossum?
The penalty for illegally owning an opossum in a ban state is typically a misdemeanor charge with fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 for a first offense.
The animal will be confiscated in virtually all enforcement situations regardless of the fine or charge level.
Interstate transport of an illegally possessed opossum can trigger federal Lacey Act charges with fines up to $10,000 and up to one year in federal prison.
Repeat offenses and commercial sale or trade escalate penalties to felony level in most states.
Can you legally rescue and keep an injured opossum?
No, rescuing and permanently keeping an injured opossum is not legal without a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
You may transport an injured wild opossum to a licensed rehabilitator in most states without penalty, but permanent private keeping requires separate authorization that private citizens typically cannot obtain.
Wildlife rehabilitation permits authorize temporary care with the goal of release, not permanent pet ownership.
Contact your state wildlife agency for the nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured opossum.
Opossum ownership laws are more specific and more consequential than most people expect going in. The single biggest mistake people make is assuming that finding an animal or living in a permissive state automatically makes keeping one legal. It doesn’t.
Bookmark this article before making any decision about opossum ownership, and share it with anyone who’s asked you this question. The 2026 rules are what matter, and verifying directly with your state’s wildlife agency before acquiring any animal is always the right move.
