SW Fires - Attention Residents

A message from the FAWNA: Caring for Fauna

After the recent disastrous fires you may find injured, orphaned or disoriented animals which have been forced out of their habitat by fire, or in the search for food and water.

Please follow these simple steps to ensure these wildlife victims have the best chance of survival.

If the animal is obviously ill or injured and you are able to catch it without causing further injury or stress, place mammals in a cotton (not synthetic) bag such as a pillowcase turned inside out, tie the top and place it on a folded towel in a box. Birds and non-venomous reptiles can be placed, each species kept separated, in a smallish box with a towel on the bottom to give the animal purchase.

Please do not offer the animal food or water as this could delay our treatment and compromise the animal’s outcome.

As soon as possible, please call ~
FAWNA on 0438 526 660

Please don’t keep the animal to see what happens; all wildlife rehabilitators have horror stories of animals which because of delays have suffered needlessly, often with horrific injuries and great suffering. Treatment of injured wildlife is no different from that which we would provide for an injured child – urgent life-saving medical help and pain relief. 

It is imperative that you get any post-fire animals to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator or vet as soon as possible; any delays can be fatal. 

It is imperative that you get any post-fire animals to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator or vet as soon as possible; any delays can be fatal. 

As anyone who has had a small burn will know, burns are incredibly painful, this is exacerbated for wildlife which will have burned feet/paws and body burns made more extensive and serious because of the fuel provided by their fur. As well, animals which aren’t burned will be suffering dehydration, shock and probably smoke inhalation all of which require urgent treatment. 

In the meantime, keep the animal in a quiet location away from televisions, radios, domestic machinery, domestic pets and children.

Native animals are highly susceptible to stress and this alone can be enough to kill them. Whilst the animal may appear calm or “tame” this is more likely to be a symptom of extreme shock. The animal requires immediate emergency treatment. 

A few days after a fire in your area, you may notice more wildlife around your property, or workplace. These animals will be looking for water, and possibly food. These animals may also have burn injuries. Please make drinking water available in a shaded location safe from domestic animals. If you would like to further assist these animals by feeding them, please contact FAWNA, your local wildlife group, for advice on suitable foods. All native animals have highly specialised diets; no wildlife should ever be given bread, milk or cereals.