Extension Wildlife Management

Prevention and Control

Problem opossums can be controlled without a permit under conditions listed in KSA 32-1002, which states:

"Kansas law does not prevent owners or legal occupants of land from killing any animals found in or near buildings on their premises, or when found destroying property, subject to the following:

  • the provisions of federal laws and regulations governing protected species and provisions of the Kansas nongame and endangered species conservation act are met;
  • it is unlawful to use or possess with intent to use, and animal so killed unless authorized by rules and regulations of the secretary; and
  • such owners or legal occupants shall make reasonable efforts to alleviate their problems with any such animals before killing them."

Opossums also can be taken by hunting or trapping during the regular season.