How to Dispose of a Dead Possum

How to Dispose of a Dead Possum
Published: May 24, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Towel (optional)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Trash can with lid
  • Cardboard box
  • Sticky tape
  • Soap
  • Water

They roll over, become still, drool and breathe very slowly. As such, you should always make sure that a possum is indeed dead before you dispose of it.

  1. Leave the possum for about four hours. Possums usually pretend to be dead for only up to four hours. When they revive, they wiggle their ears and then start moving.

  2. Approach the possum if it doesn't move after four hours. Check the pouch for any live young possums if the dead possum is female. Wrap any young possums in a soft towel. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator and surrender the young possums.

  3. Wear a pair of disposable plastic or rubber gloves to prevent direct skin contact with the dead possum. The possum may carry a disease and the gloves serve as a protective barrier.

  4. Place the dead possum in a plastic garbage bag and tie the bag tightly.

  5. Place the plastic bag in a garbage can with a lid. Alternatively, place it in a cardboard box and tape the box shut. Keeping the carcass in a closed container prevents scavengers from getting to it and breaking the plastic bag.

  6. Put the garbage can or the box at the curb for trash pickup.

  7. Throw away the gloves and wash your hands with soap and water.

Photo Credits

erniedecker/iStock/Getty Images

erniedecker/iStock/Getty Images

Edriaan Koening

Edriaan Koening began writing professionally in 2005, while studying toward her Bachelor of Arts in media and communications at the University of Melbourne. She has since written for several magazines and websites. Koening also holds a…

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