Spring is a busy time for wildlife carers, as baby animals are born, leave their nests and learn to survive in the world. You may come across an animal and want to help, but you might not know what to do. Whether the animal is injured, has fallen from a nest, or is simply learning to fly. These basic steps can help both the animal and the wildlife carer.
Observe and protect
The most common animals rescued are birds, many of which are baby birds. However, it’s important to remember that babies are best with their mum. Some mums will raise their babies on the ground, while others may simply be learning to fly. The first step is to observe and protect. Take a moment to see if you can identify an injury or work out what has happened, and make sure the animal is safe from domestic animals and humans. When possible, leave a baby bird where it was found or move it to a nearby bush.
Document the location
This is very important for a wildlife carer, so they know where to release the animal. Many native animals are territorial, so it’s critical to record the exact location where you found it. If you take the animal to a vet, make sure they record the location as well. Some animals can’t be released if they aren’t returned to the same area where they were found.
Injured animal collection options
All wildlife that is sick or injured needs to be assessed by a vet before it goes into care. Place the animal into a secure box with a towel or blanket and keep it somewhere quiet and warm. If you can’t safely move the animal, place a clothes-washing basket upside down over it to help keep it safe and call for help. Check the animal for a baby if it has a pouch, but never remove an infant from its mother’s pouch. Wrap both in a blanket and keep them warm until help arrives. A dead flying fox may also have a baby hidden in the fold of its mother’s wing. See information below about the dangers of handling flying foxes.
Vet assessment
Most vets won’t charge to see injured wildlife, so take the animal to your nearest vet as soon as possible. Any injured animal should receive veterinary treatment ASAP. Once assessed, the vet can make arrangements for a wildlife carer to collect the animal. Rehabilitation will then take place with a local carer, usually in their home, until the animal is ready to return to the wild.
Things NOT to do
Never feed an animal you have found, especially if it is injured, as the wrong food can cause serious harm. On extremely hot days, you can attempt to offer an injured animal water, but don’t force it to drink. Never approach snakes, goannas, foxes, kangaroos or raptors, as they require a trained rescuer to safely handle them. It is also not safe to handle flying foxes. Only trained and appropriately vaccinated carers should handle them due to the risk of serious diseases, including Australian bat lyssavirus.
Emergency information for Lake Mac
For any native animal emergency rescue, call 0418628483. Hunter Wildlife Rescue has a 24/7 emergency call centre staffed by home-based volunteers. https://www.hunterwildlife.org.au/
