03/03/2025
With a cyclone barrelling down the east coast of Australia these are things you can be ready to do for wildlife post landfall. The two major ones are
1- Determine which wildlife group or wildlife friendly vet services your region and save their phone number( this can be done now)
2- When safe to do so after the crossing, do a search of your local area for animals affected by the weather.
From smaller animals like insects, spiders, snakes and lizards, to larger animals like kangaroos, koalas, possums and flying foxes or even our wide array of native birds, the ability of floods, winds and storms to impact ground areas and trees at the same time means all wildlife could be in danger.
• Please check under trees, in bushes for fallen and injured wildlife. There may also be flying-foxes and birds entangled in backyard fruit tree netting. If you see an injured young or adult flying-fox please do not touch them, call your local wildlife group for assistance.
• Some animals will be waterlogged/sodden/saturated with water and unable to move about. Gently wrap them in a towel or soft cloth with no loose threads (they can become entangled) and pick them up.
• Take them inside and place in a ventilated box large enough for the animal to stand, then place a soft cloth on the bottom of the box and let the animal warm up and dry out in a quiet environment away from humans and pets. If there are any clear/prominent injuries, call your local wildlife group rescue line immediately or call your nearby vet to see if they are open to taking injured wildlife. Often your local wildlife group can advise on the location of wildlife friendly vets in the area.
• Do not feed or offer water to any animal. If you feel the animal needs food or water, call for advice first. Incorrect food or water can cause serious issues.
• Once the weather has settled, the animal should be taken back to the spot it was found for release provided it is uninjured. Never release a native animal in a different location. If you are unsure as to whether the animal is healthy enough for release you can contact your local wildlife group for advice.
• Small possums and gliders can be displaced, and you may find them under trees after a severe storm.
• Check any fallen trees, especially older trees with hollows, as a wild animal could have called that hollow home.
• Please be vigilant on our roads looking out for wildlife. Many will be distressed and flee rising water.
Finally, take care and stay safe.
(Ps - if you are in a likely to be affected area please share this info to your community pages.)