Last week, Joan Scarlet, of Winton, caught her 109th possum — her diary helps her keep count.
The 80-year-old pensioner lives in a property which backs on to Ivy Russell Reserve and has been plagued by the furry pests for 10 years.
"I’m trying to protect my garden."
Ms Scarlet is armed with a trap she bought from regional council Environment Southland (ES) and has noticed that possum numbers spike in warmer weather.
With 20 already netted in 2024, she has eclipsed last year’s total of 19 with more than a month to spare.
It has come at a cost though, as Ms Scarlet has been forced not only to buy a trap but also bait at around $50 a tube.
"I’m on a pension, and I’m buying stuff to catch their [the council’s] possums."
Her concerns were raised on the back of ES announcing Predator Free Southland was on hold until further notice due to funding issues.
The programme targeted a range of species in the region, including possums.
Still, the octogenarian remains cheerful amid a steady stream of trips over her back fence to check the trap.
In response to questions, Environment Southland biosecurity and biodiversity operations manager Ali Meade said possum control was the responsibility of landowners.
The council was providing support to the community, and a successful funding application had been made by a group of volunteers, students and businesses, she said.
That project would work with pest plants and animals and include native plantings to improve the reserve.
• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
