Mississauga Animal Services workers free an opossum that had become stuck in a rodent trap. (Photo: from City of Mississauga X video)
An opossum that suffered an injured paw after recently being caught in a rodent snap trap in Mississauga has the city reminding people that the use of such devices outdoors is illegal.
“This is a good reminder for residents that placing rodent snap traps outdoors is illegal as it can harm other wildlife, pets and people,” the City of Mississauga said. “Please consider using enclosed bait stations to address rodent concerns on your property.”
The latest warning from the city — and there have been several others in recent years — comes after Mississauga Animal Services workers responded to a recent call that an opossum had become caught in a rodent trap that clamped onto its paw.
“Officers quickly responded, safely secured the animal and carefully removed the trap,” the city said of the successful rescue in a post to X on Monday that linked to a 16-second video that shows workers freeing the wounded critter. “Thankfully, the opossum suffered only minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Opossums are North America’s only native marsupial and are commonly sighted in urban and suburban neighbourhoods across Canada and the U.S.
Anyone who spots a sick or injured animal, either caught in a trap or elsewhere, is urged to call Mississauga Animal Services at 311.
A recent call to Animal Services led to the rescue of an opossum found with a rodent snap trap caught on its paw.
Officers quickly responded, safely secured the animal and carefully removed the trap. Thankfully, the opossum suffered only minor injuries and is expected to make a… pic.twitter.com/Y2fABResqY
— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) February 23, 2026
Responding to an uptick in calls during summer 2024 about such rat/animal traps being set outdoors, Mississauga officials told residents at the time to stop the practice immediately.
Using rodent traps outside the home is not only illegal, but it often catches and kills innocent animals that weren’t the intended target, the city said in August 2024.
In addition to opossums, rat traps used outdoors can also harm or kill other small animals such as raccoons, skunks and squirrels, the city has said.
Residents seeking more information can contact Mississauga Animal Services at 905-896-5858.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 56,057 Votes
All Time: 1,233,586 Votes
4898 VOTES
Should bike lanes stay or be removed?
WIN A $100 GIFT CARD
Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.