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Is it safe to eat wild possums?
I regularly go out and shoot possums. I was wondering if they are safe to eat provided they are cooked properly, as I have heard they carry bovine TB.
Im pretty sure it would be alright, but would like to make sure before potentially putting myself at risk. I thought that rather than just shooting them and dumping them, I could eat some of what I shoot so its not a waste, and have heard that they taste quite good.
All im asking really is if its safe to eat any wild possums or do they have to be bred in controlled conditions?
we do not get possums in urban areas, ours live in dense native bush as they thrive over here and are a major threat to our native bush
there are an estimated 65 million in our bush so thats why we shoot them. theres not much sport in it, its more as an effort to keep numbers down
14 Answers
- M&TLv 71 decade agoFavourite answer
Yes you can...the Clampets weren't kidding...you can Bar/B/Q them on a grill and they are eatable............If your down under....don't you also shoot wild cats in the bush as well...DON'T eat those!
Source(s): and no....they don't taste like chicken!! - Anonymous5 years ago
Eating possums is no different than eating venison or rabbit. There is always some risk of disease, just make sure you cook it well. Also, the meat is fatty and not very healthy for you. I suggest simply seasoning it with salt and pepper, and a touch of oregano. Do be aware that possums out in daylight or those that appear disoriented or cannot climb show symptoms of bovine TB.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
In the past, opossums or possums baked with sweet potatoes beat listening to your stomach groaning for food and your children crying for food. But in them days, the opossums did not forage in garbage cans as much as they do for food in the urban and rural cities. Now, opossums are more risky to eat, like the fish in the lakes, rivers, and streams that are polluted so much that eating fresh water fish is not as safe as it was. In rural areas or out in the country, I suppose eating opossums would be okay if you cook them well done; but I would recommend squirrels or rabbits instead. Just skin and gut 'em first.
Source(s): A dumb mass. - MinteeLv 71 decade ago
you know.. 20 years ago. id say go for it, but these days with mad cow disease (it effects other critters also).. and rabies and the TB.. and bird flew (it also effects other animals).. you just dont know what sort of new bacteria or virus is out there.. YOu just dont know..
I had a lady friend of mine.. was camping in colorado a few years ago and they ate wild rabbit they shot.. she ended up with some wild stomach virus that now has effected her a lot.. for some reason her doctor cant get it out of her. she lost at first like 50 pounds just from diarrhea and vomiting.. they finally got that under control. (and shes not a large lady).. but she has bouts where she gets it back every now and then.. She regrets eating that rabbit now..
- 6 years ago
Miacrash - if the person is in NZ - they shoot them because there are billions (literally) of them and there are no predators to keep them in check. if the person is in the US - I have no idea... if that person is in AUS - they better be careful, b/c possums are protected there!
- ARBOBLv 61 decade ago
Why would you want to anyway? My late brother-in-law used to kill and then eat squirrels and when I heard that, I lost all respect for him. Possum? Oh my God, why?
- Anonymous5 years ago
I think it depends
