What To Do If You Find an Injured Native Animal in Western Australia
Every year, thousands of sick, injured and orphaned native animals are rescued by wildlife rehabilitation organisations across Western Australia. Knowing what to do - and what not to do - can make a significant difference to the animal’s welfare and your own safety.
Step 1 - Keep Yourself Safe
Your safety always comes first.
Do not attempt to handle:
* Snakes
* Bats or flying foxes
* Large kangaroos
* Emus
* Pelicans
* Large birds of prey
These animals can seriously injure people, even when sick or injured.
Bats and flying foxes must never be handled by members of the public due to the risk of Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
If you find one of these animals injured, contact the Wildcare Helpline immediately on (08) 9474 9055 or contact your local wildlife rehabilitation organisation.
Step 2 - Contact Wildlife Experts
If the animal is safe to approach, contact:
* Wildcare Helpline: (08) 9474 9055
* Your local licensed wildlife rehabilitation group or wildlife veterinarian
The Wildcare Helpline operates every day and can connect you with trained wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
Step 3 - Reduce Stress
Wildlife can die from stress very quickly.
If safe to do so:
* Keep noise and handling to a minimum
* Keep children and pets away
* Place a towel or blanket loosely over the animal to help calm it
* Move the animal away from immediate danger only if necessary (for example, from a road)
Avoid excessive handling or attempts to “comfort” the animal.
Step 4 - Contain the Animal Safely
Small animals such as birds, possums or reptiles may be placed into:
* A secure cardboard box
* A pet carrier
* A ventilated container lined with a towel
Keep the animal:
* Warm
* Quiet
* Dark
* Away from pets and people
Do not use wire cages for injured wildlife unless directed by a rehabilitator.
Step 5 - Do Not Feed or Give Water
Do not:
* Force feed
* Give any milk formulas
* Give bread
* Pour water into the animal’s mouth
Incorrect food or fluids can cause serious harm or death.
Wildlife have highly specialised dietary and medical needs. Wait for advice from a trained wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.
Wildlife First Aid Kit
It can be helpful to keep a simple wildlife first aid kit at home or in your car, particularly if you travel regularly.
Recommended items include:
* Thick towel or blanket
* Pillowcase
* Cardboard box
* Disposable gloves
* Torch
* Eye protection
* Hand sanitiser
* Small pet carrier
* Wildcare Helpline number saved in your phone
If You Find a Joey
If a kangaroo, possum or other marsupial has died, check carefully for a joey if it is safe to do so.
Joeys are commonly found:
* In the pouch
* Near the mother
* Clinging to fur
Do not attempt to feed the joey. Place it somewhere warm, dark and quiet and contact the Wildcare Helpline immediately.
If the Animal Has Been Hit by a Car
If safe:
* Pull over safely
* Turn on hazard lights
* Assess the situation carefully before approaching
Never place yourself in danger on busy roads or highways.
If the animal is deceased, check for pouch young if safe to do so.
Remember
Native wildlife are protected under Western Australian legislation. Only trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators can provide long-term rehabilitation care.
The best thing you can do is:
* Keep yourself safe
* Reduce the animal’s stress
* Contact trained wildlife professionals as quickly as possible
For wildlife rescue assistance in Western Australia:
Wildcare Helpline - (08) 9474 9055
Step 1 - Keep Yourself Safe
Your safety always comes first.
Do not attempt to handle:
* Snakes
* Bats or flying foxes
* Large kangaroos
* Emus
* Pelicans
* Large birds of prey
These animals can seriously injure people, even when sick or injured.
Bats and flying foxes must never be handled by members of the public due to the risk of Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
If you find one of these animals injured, contact the Wildcare Helpline immediately on (08) 9474 9055 or contact your local wildlife rehabilitation organisation.
Step 2 - Contact Wildlife Experts
If the animal is safe to approach, contact:
* Wildcare Helpline: (08) 9474 9055
* Your local licensed wildlife rehabilitation group or wildlife veterinarian
The Wildcare Helpline operates every day and can connect you with trained wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
Step 3 - Reduce Stress
Wildlife can die from stress very quickly.
If safe to do so:
* Keep noise and handling to a minimum
* Keep children and pets away
* Place a towel or blanket loosely over the animal to help calm it
* Move the animal away from immediate danger only if necessary (for example, from a road)
Avoid excessive handling or attempts to “comfort” the animal.
Step 4 - Contain the Animal Safely
Small animals such as birds, possums or reptiles may be placed into:
* A secure cardboard box
* A pet carrier
* A ventilated container lined with a towel
Keep the animal:
* Warm
* Quiet
* Dark
* Away from pets and people
Do not use wire cages for injured wildlife unless directed by a rehabilitator.
Step 5 - Do Not Feed or Give Water
Do not:
* Force feed
* Give any milk formulas
* Give bread
* Pour water into the animal’s mouth
Incorrect food or fluids can cause serious harm or death.
Wildlife have highly specialised dietary and medical needs. Wait for advice from a trained wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.
Wildlife First Aid Kit
It can be helpful to keep a simple wildlife first aid kit at home or in your car, particularly if you travel regularly.
Recommended items include:
* Thick towel or blanket
* Pillowcase
* Cardboard box
* Disposable gloves
* Torch
* Eye protection
* Hand sanitiser
* Small pet carrier
* Wildcare Helpline number saved in your phone
If You Find a Joey
If a kangaroo, possum or other marsupial has died, check carefully for a joey if it is safe to do so.
Joeys are commonly found:
* In the pouch
* Near the mother
* Clinging to fur
Do not attempt to feed the joey. Place it somewhere warm, dark and quiet and contact the Wildcare Helpline immediately.
If the Animal Has Been Hit by a Car
If safe:
* Pull over safely
* Turn on hazard lights
* Assess the situation carefully before approaching
Never place yourself in danger on busy roads or highways.
If the animal is deceased, check for pouch young if safe to do so.
Remember
Native wildlife are protected under Western Australian legislation. Only trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators can provide long-term rehabilitation care.
The best thing you can do is:
* Keep yourself safe
* Reduce the animal’s stress
* Contact trained wildlife professionals as quickly as possible
For wildlife rescue assistance in Western Australia:
Wildcare Helpline - (08) 9474 9055