Opossum Removal in Texas Homes and Attics

Which opossum calls does this page cover?

An opossum that is inside: in the attic, in a wall, in a garage that opens into the house, or loose in a room. A request about one in the yard, under a shed or under a deck is not passed on from this page.

Why would an opossum be in a Texas attic?

Texas Parks and Wildlife says opossums take shelter beneath buildings and in attics, and that a female usually raises two litters in a year. The department’s page states no rule on removing one.

What does Texas law say about a nuisance opossum?

• The Parks and Wildlife Code lists the opossum as a fur-bearing animal (Section 71.001).
• A landowner, or someone acting for the landowner, may take a fur-bearing animal that is causing damage on that land (Section 71.004).
• Texas Parks and Wildlife says an animal taken this way may not be kept or sold.
• Releasing a captured fur-bearer on another property needs a letter of authorization from the department’s Wildlife Division, the consent of that property’s owner, and monthly reports.

The statewide rabies quarantine on transport names foxes, skunks, coyotes and raccoons. The opossum is not on that list.

Will the city pick up an opossum in my house?

It depends on the city. Houston’s BARC takes 3-1-1 calls about a wild animal inside the living areas of a home, such as a bedroom, and sends attic and garage animals to a private company. Fort Worth names opossums among the animals it no longer picks up (page as captured May 3, 2026). The Texas city table has the rest.

What happens when I call about an opossum?

Say where in the house it is and give your ZIP code. Where an independent operator works at that address and takes opossum calls, the request goes to that operator. Where none does, you are told.