We often hear of property owners complaining of a nuisance possum taking up residence in the roof, but Wildcare also gets contacted occasionally to see what can be done about an animal caught in a chimney.
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As one of Wildcare’s volunteers, Vivien, says, “I recently got a call whilst on the Wildcare phone roster to rescue a possum trapped in a firebox. This wasn’t an unusual call in winter, as possums seek out a cosy dark warm place to have a nap.
But we don’t normally expect possums to be able to scale a chimney from the outside, get in under the chimney cowl and then take up residence in the flue or firebox. Unfortunately there is no guarantee they can get back out again.”
Vivien goes on to say, “Larger hardware stores now sell possum-proof chimney cowls, and whilst the risk is low, in possum habitat areas, it is probably a good idea to use one when installing a slow combustion stove. Some slow combustion fireplaces can be closed off when not in use, which is a useful thing to do in the summer to prevent an animal accessing the firebox and the potential for it to escape into a room”.
Wildcare has a policy of not removing possums from roof voids and chimneys, due to the safety of volunteers.
This task is left to the house owner or a reputable pest controller who can be hired to help catch and remove possums. However, Wildcare volunteers can help to catch possums that have ended up in a firebox or a room in the house.
There are a number of techniques that a house owner can use to scare off a possum that is in the wrong place and then block off the animal’s entry point, thereby preventing it from getting in again. Wildcare is happy to give advice as to what to do.
Possums that are removed must be released locally. And often people put up a possum box in the back yard prior to blocking of entry points to the roof void, so there is somewhere for the animal to go. Sadly, Wildcare has had a number possums in care having been poisoned by rat bait. When using rat bait in the roof, garage or anywhere, make sure possums or other animals cannot access it too.
Wildcare can be contacted on 62991966 for advice. Wildcare volunteers do have the skill to handle possums with a reduced risk of being bitten or scratched. Wildcare has possum boxes for sale to provide alternative accommodation options. Wildcare services the area from Braidwood to Young and from Bredbo to Cowra.
Please note that intentionally injuring animals is always illegal and that killing or keeping Australian native species is illegal without very specific licences and permits.
