Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) squeeze through a 3 to 4 inch gap, detect food from over 100 yards, and have a low stress tolerance that can turn fatal in the wrong cage. Here is how to choose the right possum trap for a humane catch and safe relocation.
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Key Takeaways
- Size matters: A 32 x 10 x 12 inch live trap is the minimum interior dimension for adult Virginia opossums. Smaller cages risk tail pinning, stress injuries, and refusal to enter.
- Mesh grid: Look for 1/2 inch galvanized mesh or hardware cloth. Larger gaps let baby opossums escape or let curious noses and paws get stuck between bars.
- Pre-baiting wins: Set the trap baited but unlocked for 2 to 3 days so the opossum learns it is a safe food source. You will catch on night one after you arm the trigger.
- Relocate responsibly: Move captured opossums at least 10 miles away to a suitable habitat with water and cover. Releasing too close guarantees return or fatal encounters with cars.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Material | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havahart 1079SR | 32 x 10 x 12 in | Galvanized steel | Best Overall | Amazon |
| Havahart 1085 | 36 x 11 x 13 in | Galvanized steel | Best Premium | Amazon |
| SZHLUX 32 in | 32 x 10.5 x 12 in | Galvanized steel | Best Large Capacity | Amazon |
| ANT MARCH 32 in | 32 x 12 x 12 in | Galvanized steel | Best Value | Amazon |
| Faicuk 32 in Collapsible | 32 x 11 x 13 in | Galvanized steel | Best Collapsible | Amazon |
| ZENY 32 in Folding | 32 x 12.5 x 12 in | Galvanized steel | Best Folding | Amazon |
| VEVOR 31 in | 31 x 10 x 12 in | Galvanized steel | Best Budget | Amazon |
Best Possum Traps and Cages for 2026
1. Havahart 1079SR Large 1-Door Trap - Best Overall
HUMANE CAPTURE: This large live animal trap safely captures raccoons, cats, possums, and other small animals with a 1-door design that allows full entry before closing,...
In This Guide
The Havahart 1079SR is the gold standard for live trapping Virginia opossums, and it earns the top spot because it nails every critical spec for this species. At a full 32 x 10 x 12 inches, it gives an adult possum enough interior space to walk in fully without its tail getting pinched by the door mechanism.
The all welded galvanized steel construction resists rust through repeated outdoor use, and the 1/2 inch mesh grid prevents the curious snouts and paws of Didelphis virginiana from poking through and getting stuck.
What sets this model apart is its sensitive treadle trigger plate, which releases the single door with very light pressure. Opossums are cautious foragers, and a trigger that requires heavy weight to spring often lets them steal bait and escape.
The rear door also opens fully for easy release or relocation without you ever touching the animal. The wire handle is comfortable for carrying a loaded cage, and the rounded edges reduce stress on the opossum during transport.
This trap works equally well for raccoons, feral cats, and woodchucks, making it a versatile addition to any wildlife removal setup.
- Size: 32 x 10 x 12 inches
- Material: Galvanized welded wire mesh
- Door Type: Single front door with rear release
- Weight: 9.1 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium (raccoons, possums, feral cats, woodchucks)
What We Like
- Sensitive treadle trigger catches cautious possums on first visit
- Welded galvanized mesh resists corrosion even in wet weather
- Rear release door lets you empty the trap without risk
- Proven design with decades of positive user reviews
What We Don't Like
- Not collapsible, so storage takes up more space
- Price is higher than many budget folding alternatives
2. Havahart 1085 Large 1-Door Trap - Best Premium
HUMANE ANIMAL TRAP CAGE – Ideal trap for stray cats, as groundhog trap, raccoon trap, skunk trap, trap for small dogs, fox trap, and armadillo trap BUILT TO LAST – These...
The Havahart 1085 is the extra large version of the classic 1079, and the additional interior volume makes it the premium choice for big opossums, large raccoons, and even small to medium dogs that wander onto your property.
At 36 x 11 x 13 inches, it offers more headroom and three extra inches of length, which gives a stressed Didelphis virginiana room to pace without injuring its nose against the front wires.
This extra space matters during the thanatosis (playing dead) response, because an opossum may thrash briefly before going limp, and a too tight cage increases the chance of self injury.
The build quality is identical to the 1079SR: thick gauge galvanized steel, a sensitive single door treadle mechanism, and a rear release door for hands off emptying. The 1/2 inch grid spacing is tight enough to contain juvenile opossums and prevent paw entrapment while still allowing full visibility so the animal stays calm.
The wire handle is padded with a plastic grip, which makes a noticeable difference when you are carrying a loaded trap a quarter mile to your vehicle. If you trap frequently or deal with larger wildlife, the extra money buys real comfort and durability that pays off over years of use.
- Size: 36 x 11 x 13 inches
- Material: Galvanized welded wire mesh
- Door Type: Single front door with rear release
- Weight: 10.5 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium to large (raccoons, possums, stray dogs)
What We Like
- Extra interior space reduces stress and injury risk during capture
- Same proven Havahart trigger reliability as the classic 1079
- Padded handle reduces hand fatigue during relocation
- Enough capacity for large raccoons and stray dogs too
What We Don't Like
- Premium price tag is the highest on this list
- Heavier than folding alternatives at over 10 pounds
3. SZHLUX 32 in Heavy Duty Cage Trap - Best Large Capacity
High Quality Materials:SZHLUX Live Animal Cage Trap use low carbon steel wire and medium frequency welding. In this way, the product surface is flat, the welding is firm, and...
The SZHLUX 32 inch heavy duty cage trap brings a reinforced build to the standard 32 x 10.5 x 12 inch form factor, and it stands out for homeowners who need a rugged trap that can handle repeated wet weather without compromising performance.
The frame uses thicker gauge galvanized wire than many budget traps, and the 1/2 inch mesh is spot welded at every intersection rather than just crimped, which means no loose wires after a season of use.
This matters because opossums use their keen olfactory detection over 100 yards to find bait, and a rattling, unstable trap spooks them before they ever reach the trigger plate.
The single door design uses a heavy duty spring and a sensitive treadle plate that fires consistently even when a possum steps lightly. A locking arm secures the door after the strike so the animal cannot push its way back out. The rear of the cage has a small access door for releasing the opossum without reaching through the front opening.
Several reviewers note this trap catches on the first or second night when pre-baited, matching what experienced trappers report about the importance of familiarizing possums with the cage before arming it. The solid construction also makes this trap suitable for groundhogs and armadillos if you have multiple pest species on your property.
- Size: 32 x 10.5 x 12 inches
- Material: Heavy gauge galvanized steel
- Door Type: Single front door with rear access
- Weight: 8.7 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium (possums, raccoons, groundhogs, armadillos)
What We Like
- Spot welded intersections hold up better than crimped wire traps
- Thicker gauge steel resists bending under heavy animal loads
- Sensitive treadle plate fires reliably on cautious possums
- Good balance of price and build quality for long-term use
What We Don't Like
- Not collapsible, requires more storage space
- Rear access door is smaller than competitors
4. ANT MARCH 32 in Trap with Gloves - Best Value
Constructed of sturdy rust-resistant wire mesh with steel reinforcements for long life and is galvanized for maximum resistance to rust. The size of the mesh openings has...
The ANT MARCH 32 inch live trap is the best value pick because it delivers the full 32 x 12 x 12 inch interior at a price that undercuts most competitors, and it includes a pair of animal handling gloves in the box.
For a homeowner dealing with a single persistent Didelphis virginiana that has taken up residence under the deck, this is the most cost effective way to get a professional grade cage without overspending.
The wire mesh uses a tight 1/2 inch grid that prevents baby opossums from squeezing through, and the galvanized finish provides adequate rust resistance for seasonal use.
The trigger mechanism is a classic treadle plate with a sensitive pressure threshold that catches opossums reliably. A safety hook prevents accidental door closure during setup, and the spring loaded door snaps shut fast enough that the animal cannot reverse out.
The included gloves are thick leather with extended cuffs, giving you protection while handling the cage or transferring the animal.
The trap folds nearly flat when disassembled, which is a nice bonus for storing it between trapping seasons. For the price, this is the strongest overall value on the market for possum control in 2026.
- Size: 32 x 12 x 12 inches
- Material: Galvanized welded steel
- Door Type: Single front door with safety hook
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium (possums, raccoons, feral cats)
What We Like
- Full 12 inch height gives possums more clearance than narrower traps
- Includes leather handling gloves for safe release
- Folds flat for compact storage between trapping seasons
- Budget friendly price without cutting essential features
What We Don't Like
- Included gloves are basic, upgrade for heavy duty use
- Galvanized finish may show wear after a full season outdoors
5. Faicuk 32 x 11 x 13 in Collapsible Trap - Best Collapsible
32" x 11" x 13" Cage Trap: Ideal for trapping raccons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired animals. Built to Last and Space-Saving Storage : Made of...
The Faicuk 32 x 11 x 13 inch collapsible trap solves the storage problem that haunts every fixed frame cage. It folds completely flat in seconds, making it easy to stash in a garage rafters, vehicle trunk, or gear closet between uses.
When deployed, it provides a spacious 32 x 11 x 13 inch interior that comfortably accommodates adult Virginia opossums, and the extra inch of width compared to the standard 10 inch models gives the animal more turning room, which reduces the frantic scrambling that can trigger thanatosis prematurely.
The single door uses a smooth pivoting hinge and a treadle trigger that adjusts in sensitivity with a simple screw. You can dial it lighter for cautious opossums or tighten it for windy conditions when falling debris might trip the trap.
The galvanized wire mesh is the necessary 1/2 inch grid and the entire frame assembles without tools. Some collapsible traps sacrifice rigidity for portability, but the Faicuk uses a locking bar system that keeps the walls tight and square during use.
The rear door opens for hands free release, and the wire handle is positioned for comfortable one hand carry. This is the ideal trap for trappers who run multiple sets and need to transport several cages at once.
- Size: 32 x 11 x 13 inches
- Material: Galvanized steel mesh
- Door Type: Single front door with adjustable sensitivity trigger
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium (possums, raccoons, woodchucks)
What We Like
- Folds flat for easy storage and multi-trap transport
- Adjustable trigger sensitivity lets you tune for cautious animals
- Extra width (11 in) reduces stress during capture
- Tool free assembly with locking bar system
What We Don't Like
- Locking bars can loosen after repeated folding cycles
- Not as rugged as welded fixed frame traps
6. ZENY 32 x 12.5 x 12 in Folding Trap - Best Folding
【32" X 12.5" X 12" Cage Trap】-- ZENY live animal trap cage is good ideal designed for trapping raccons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired...
The ZENY 32 inch folding trap brings the widest interior of any model on this list at 12.5 inches across, giving an adult possum enough lateral room to turn around comfortably inside the cage.
For an animal that may enter a trap backed by instinct rather than by choice, having that extra turning space directly reduces the panic response that leads to self injury. The 12 inch height means a standing opossum does not hunch its back against the roof wires, which keeps cortisol levels lower during the capture and transport window.
The trap uses a single door with a sensitive treadle plate and a gravity lock that prevents the door from reopening after the animal strikes the trigger.
The galvanized finish is a double dipped coating that resists rust better than single dip models, an important factor if you plan to leave the trap out for the recommended pre-baiting period of 2 to 3 days.
The folding mechanism uses reinforced hinge pins rather than bent wire loops, which means the cage stays square after repeated setup cycles. The ZENY is also one of the lighter folding traps on the market, making it a strong choice for anyone who needs to carry a trap a long distance to a remote capture site.
- Size: 32 x 12.5 x 12 inches
- Material: Double dipped galvanized steel
- Door Type: Single front door with gravity lock
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Animal Size: Medium (possums, raccoons, feral cats)
What We Like
- Widest interior (12.5 in) reduces stress and allows easy turning
- Double dipped galvanized finish outlasts standard coatings
- Reinforced hinge pins hold up to repeated folding
- Light weight at under 7 pounds for long carry distances
What We Don't Like
- Gravity lock can jam if the trap is set on uneven ground
- Thinner gauge wire than premium fixed frame traps
7. VEVOR 31 x 10 x 12 in Galvanized Trap - Best Budget
Wide Application: As urban and wilderness ecosystems intertwine, animals may disturb your life. Our cat trap is a versatile solution for various animals, including cats,...
The VEVOR 31 x 10 x 12 inch galvanized trap is the most affordable entry on this list, and it proves you do not need to spend a premium to catch a possum effectively.
The 31 inch length is just one inch shorter than the recommended 32 inch minimum, and for smaller adult opossums and juveniles it provides adequate interior space without the animal feeling cramped.
The galvanized wire uses the standard 1/2 inch mesh that prevents paw entrapment and keeps the interior visible so the animal does not panic in a dark enclosure.
The single door design uses a treadle trigger that is slightly less sensitive than premium models, so you may need to place bait behind the trigger plate to ensure the opossum steps fully onto it before the door fires. Pairing this trap with a 2 to 3 day pre-baiting routine solves that issue entirely.
The folding mechanism is simple and effective, collapsing the trap flat for storage. The galvanized coating is adequate for a season of use, though you should store it indoors between trapping sessions to prevent corrosion.
If you are trapping on a tight budget or only need a trap for a single problem possum, the VEVOR delivers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of the premium options.
- Size: 31 x 10 x 12 inches
- Material: Galvanized steel mesh
- Door Type: Single front door with treadle trigger
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
- Animal Size: Small to medium (possums, squirrels, feral cats)
What We Like
- Lowest price on the list, ideal for one-time trapping needs
- Folding design stores flat in tight spaces
- Light weight for easy transport to remote locations
- Proper 1/2 inch mesh prevents animal injury
What We Don't Like
- 31 inch length is slightly short for very large adult possums
- Trigger sensitivity is lower, requiring careful bait placement
- Galvanized coating needs indoor storage to prevent rust
How to Choose the Best Possum Trap
Trap Size and Interior Space
Size is the single most important factor when choosing a live trap for Virginia opossums. An adult Didelphis virginiana measures 24 to 33 inches from nose to tail base, and a trap that is too short forces the animal to curl up or press its face against the door.
A minimum interior dimension of 32 x 10 x 12 inches gives the possum room to walk in fully, turn around, and stand without its back touching the roof.
Traps that are too narrow also risk tail pinching when the door closes, which can cause panic and self injury. If you trap larger possums or want extra comfort margin, move up to a 36 inch model like the Havahart 1085.
Mesh Size and Material
The mesh on a possum trap serves two purposes: containment and safety. A 1/2 inch grid is the standard because it is small enough to prevent a baby opossum from squeezing through but large enough to let the animal see out, which keeps it calmer.
Larger mesh like 1 inch or 2 inch allows paws, noses, and tails to get stuck between the wires, causing injury. Material wise, galvanized steel is the default choice because it resists rust from rain, urine, and damp ground.
Look for welded wire construction rather than crimped connections, because welded joints hold their shape over years of use while crimped wire traps can develop loose bars that rattle and spook animals.
Door Type and Trigger Mechanism
A single door trap works well for possums because it creates a single entry point that you can bait and funnel the animal toward. The critical component is the trigger mechanism, which should be a treadle plate that fires under light pressure.
Opossums are cautious and will test the ground before committing to a full entry. If the trigger requires heavy weight to spring, they will steal the bait from the edge and leave.
A sensitive treadle plate with a short throw distance catches the animal before it can reverse out. Look for a gravity lock or spring latch on the door so the opossum cannot push it back open after the strike.
Baiting Tips for Success
Virginia opossums are opportunistic omnivores with a powerful sense of smell that can detect food from over 100 yards downwind. Use strong smelling baits like sardines packed in oil, wet cat food, an overripe banana split open, or a raw egg.
Place the bait beyond the treadle plate so the opossum must step fully onto the trigger to reach it. Do not use so much bait that the animal can eat its fill from outside the cage.
The most effective strategy is pre-baiting: leave the trap set but unarmed for 2 to 3 days so the possum feeds inside the cage without consequence. Once the animal is comfortable entering, arm the trap and you will likely catch it on the first night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for a possum trap?
The best baits for possum traps are strong smelling, high protein foods that match their omnivorous diet. Sardines packed in oil are the top choice because the scent travels far and the fish flavor is hard for an opossum to resist.
Wet cat food, overripe fruit, raw eggs, and peanut butter on bread also work well. Place the bait behind the treadle trigger so the animal must step fully into the cage to reach it.
Where should I place a possum trap on my property?
Place the trap along known travel routes like fence lines, shed walls, garden paths, or near the den entrance under a deck or porch. Opossums follow edges and will investigate a trap placed against a wall or solid object.
Position the trap on level ground with the door facing the direction the possum approaches from. Cover the top and sides with a tarp or wood to create a dark tunnel feel, which makes the animal feel secure enough to enter.
How long does it take to catch a possum in a live trap?
With proper pre-baiting, most opossums are caught within 1 to 3 nights after you arm the trap. Without pre-baiting, it may take a week or longer because the animal needs to overcome its natural neophobia, or fear of new objects.
Check the trap every morning and refresh the bait as needed. If you go a full week without a capture, move the trap to a different location.
Will a possum trap catch other animals like raccoons or cats?
Yes, a 32 inch live trap set for opossums will also catch raccoons, feral cats, armadillos, woodchucks, and skunks. The trigger mechanism and bait attract a wide range of wildlife.
If you are targeting only possums, the best way to reduce non-target catches is to place the trap close to an active possum den and check it twice daily so you can release any non-target animals quickly.
Can I relocate a trapped possum, and is it legal?
Relocating a trapped opossum is legal in many areas, but you must check your state and local wildlife regulations before releasing any animal. Most wildlife agencies require you to release on the same property or on designated public land.
If relocation is allowed, move the possum at least 10 miles away to a habitat with water, cover, and natural food sources. Releasing too close to your home guarantees the animal will return.
Why Trust WildAnimalsCentral
Our team has been writing about wildlife control and pest removal since 2020, and every product recommendation on this page is backed by hands on testing, verified user feedback, and research into the specific biology of Didelphis virginiana.
We purchase every trap we review at full retail price, so no manufacturer can buy a favorable review. We evaluate each trap on size adequacy, trigger sensitivity, mesh safety, build durability, and ease of release to give you honest, practical advice. This guide was last updated in August 2026 and reflects the current market.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The products featured in this guide are independently selected. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. All prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication.
