A live opossum was discovered at a car dealership on Maui on November 24, 2025. Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) responded to the scene after the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Maui Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) received a call about the animal.
Maui PQB inspectors arrived at approximately 2:40 p.m., shortly after receiving the report. They were joined by officers from DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The opossum was found inside the bumper cavity of a new van, making it inaccessible for capture. According to authorities, “It was decided that DLNR personnel would use an air rifle to prevent the possibility of escape. The opossum was dispatched with a single shot.” PQB inspectors then removed the animal and sent it to O‘ahu for rabies testing.
Opossums are not native to Hawai‘i and are believed to arrive as stowaways on cargo ships. Over recent years, several incidents have involved opossums being captured in various locations across Hawai‘i, including harbors, stores, office buildings, shipping containers, military planes, and postal facilities.
The department noted that while opossums are less likely than other mammals to carry rabies, they can be carriers of parasites and other diseases. Native to North America, these animals eat insects, bird eggs, rodents, fruits, and vegetables.
Authorities advise anyone who sees an illegal animal in Hawai‘i to contact the statewide PEST HOTLINE at 808-643-PEST (7378).
