A member of the public made an anonymous report in March 2025 via Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service, about a badly injured ring-tailed possum in Preston. The possum was taken to a vet. The vet found three BB gun pellets in the possum and it was humanely euthanised due to injuries. The possum had two joeys on her back when found, one escaped capture and the other is healthy and being cared for at a wildlife shelter. Shooting possums with a BB gun is cruel and illegal.

The Conservation Regulator is urging anyone with information to report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria online or call 1800 333 000.

All wildlife is protected in Victoria under the Under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife without an authorisation.

Offences carry a maximum penalty of more than $9,870 and/or six months in prison for each offence.