Possums rejoice as judges forbid New Year's 'possum drop'

After a 19-year reign of terror, humans in North Carolina have lost a significant battle in their war against possums — and it comes courtesy of a judge. For nearly 20 years, possums in a glass box bedecked with tinsel have been dropped at the stroke of the New Year — similar to Manhattan's ball drop, only with a squirming and probably totally freaking out marsupial. Judge Fred Morrison's ruling today reiterated it is illegal to "use wild animals for pets or amusement" — which neatly covers this situation. The losing party in the lawsuit was the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commissions, which permits the event; they have 30 days to appeal. [Source]

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