It seems Maui's latest non-native critter cameo involved a wayward opossum making an impromptu visit to a local car dealership, tucked snugly within the confines of a bumper cavity. The furry stowaway was spotted yesterday afternoon, prompting a call to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) by the concerned dealership staff. Quick to respond, inspectors from the Maui Plant Quarriage Branch, joined by officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), descended on the scene to address the unexpected guest.
The DLNR officers, facing an opossum decided to quickly take aim, utilized an air rifle to prevent any chance of escape. The creature was dispatched with a single shot. This swift action was deemed necessary due to the risks posed by such invasive species, which have been known to occasionally hitch rides to the islands. After the animal was removed, it was sent to O‘ahu for rabies testing. As noted by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, opossums may not be common rabies carriers, but they can harbor parasites and diseases.
These marsupial misadventures are not unfamiliar to the Hawaiian Islands. The DAB has recorded a series of captures across the state in recent years. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture's website lists multiple incidents ranging from Honolulu Harbor conquests to surprising finds at big-box stores. Utilizing various methods, from pole nets to animal traps, PQB inspectors have been hard at work keeping these invaders at bay.
Opossums, while maybe intriguing to some, are out of place in Hawaii's ecosystem and have been consistently removed whenever they pop up. Native to North America, these opportunistic omnivores have diets that can impact local wildlife and habitats. The string of captures serves as a reminder for vigilance among Hawaiians and the importance of reporting any sightings of illegal animals. If locals spot any such creatures, they're urged to contact the PEST HOTLINE at 808-643-PEST (7378).
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