...I think all the alliteration in the headline is a bigger crime: Possum Possession Puts People in Peril
OWEGO, N.Y. (AP) - That's according to New York's environmental conservation laws, which say it's illegal to possess wild animals without a state permit.
A Binghamton-area couple found that out after they had rescued a baby opossum they found in their back yard.
Tina and John Laskowski of Owego were hauled into court after a state conservation officer was tipped off that the couple had adopted the tiny marsupial a few months ago. They named the injured opossum Webster and nursed him back to health.
Webster was turned over to an animal rehabilitator when the couple was charged with possession of small game without a permit.
A town justice found the animal-lovers guilty and sentenced them to an unconditional discharge.
State wildlife officials say wild animals can carry diseases and even little critters can become aggressive as they grow older.
Van O'Cain, New Media Manager