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While possums don’t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the University of California’s Pest Management Program, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

You should never use toxic baits or poisons, such as rodenticides designed for mice and rats, to kill or trap possums. Using these toxicants is illegal in many areas and can lead to fines or other penalties. Furthermore, these poisons can cause unnecessary suffering for the animal and pose a significant risk of accidental poisoning to pets or other neighborhood wildlife. Instead of using poisons, it is best to stick with humane methods like live trapping.

Yes, badgers can benefit the environments they live in. As they dig and feed, they carry and disperse seeds, which helps plants spread and grow. They also build tunnels that other species, like rabbits and foxes, can move into. However, these benefits may not be desirable on your property, and badger removal may be preferable.

The right snake trap depends on your needs and the species of snake. Glue traps are the easiest to handle but are inhumane and may catch and kill other animals, like squirrels, birds, and mice. Cage traps catch snakes alive so they can be released elsewhere. Minnow traps are the best choice for water snakes.