Having an Oxnard opossum living in your home is cause for concern. Not only is it a nuisance, it can also be hazardous to your health. Animal feces can carry diseases that are transmitted to humans. A variety of health issues can be contributed to contact with opossum feces. The bacteria that grow in it can also make your pets very ill when they lick it. As soon as you notice an opossum living in your home or your garden, you need to remove it.



When to remove it
California opossums are nocturnal creatures. This means that they will be less active during the day and it might be easier to get rid of them. Make sure that there are no babies close by as this will make your problem more difficult.

When to call animal services
Animal services do not take responsibility for the removal of nuisance Oxnard animals. They will not remove wildlife within their borders. They believe that these animals are part of the ecosystem and there is no law requiring them to help. There are a few exceptions where they might be of assistance.

When will it become an issue for them to handle?
• If an animal is injured or distressed. Depending on the nature of the injuries, you can call animal services. If they are not able to assist, they will be able to give you the contact details of someone who can.
• The Bureau of Sanitation will collect a dead California animal. Any wild animal that is found dead will be collected by the bureau. You will just need to phone them and give them the location.
• In some circumstances, they will remove wildlife that is a danger. This includes overly aggressive animals that are a threat to your safety.
• Sometimes they will assist if it is a health concern. The elderly, children and people with a compromised immune system are more likely to contract diseases. They do not have the ability to fight off the diseases transmitted by opossum feces.

How to handle it yourself.
There are various legislations in place regarding wild California animals. You will need to research the laws in your county in order to best approach the subject. It is illegal to shoot any wild animal, including an opossum, in most states. The easiest way to get rid of the problem would be to trap the opossum and relocate it to a wooded area. It should be able to find food and shelter there.

Visit our Oxnard animal removal home page to learn more about us.