Another person had set up the trap to assist the pensioner, but \u201cunfortunately no follow-up plan was put in place\u201d for its welfare or release, they explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the homeowner realised the possum had been caught, they did the right thing by reporting the situation to Wildlife Victoria so that help could be provided.\u201d<\/p>\n
RELATED<\/p>\n
My dog\u2019s midnight gift: A Possum-pocalypse in my bed<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Poo everywhere\u2019: Tradie\u2019s gag-worthy home find<\/a><\/p>\n Roof repair delay leads to shocking discovery<\/a><\/p>\n A young possum living in the roof of a Victorian’s home was recently ‘purposely trapped’ in a cage and left ‘out in the open’. Source: Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network<\/p>\n While the homeowner\u2019s intentions weren\u2019t malicious, the incident highlights a growing trend of Aussies taking matters into their own hands to deal with a national increase in possum invasions \u2013 often without realising the hefty penalties for breaking strict wildlife protection laws.<\/p>\n The $44,000 possum problem<\/p>\n Under Victorian law, homeowners are allowed to trap and release possums from their roof spaces, but only if they follow stringent regulations.<\/p>\n These include using approved traps, checking them within two hours of sunrise, and releasing the possum no more than 50m from where it was caught.<\/p>\n Breaching these rules can result in fines of up to $44,380 or even two years in prison.<\/p>\n It\u2019s believed the possum had been confined in the cage for up to 48 hours before rescuers arrived. Source: Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network<\/p>\n In this case, the elderly homeowner avoided penalties after reporting the situation to Wildlife Victoria, allowing the possum to be rescued and treated by licensed carers.<\/p>\n Across Australia, it is illegal to trap possums, or catch and release them without a licence.<\/p>\n Possum infestations on the rise<\/p>\n The warning comes as new data reveals a surge in possum-related issues across Australia.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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