Wildlife Caring

Do not handle:

Snakes (contact Eagles Heritage)

Sea Snakes or Octopus

Bats - Only immunised carers can handle them

Adult kangaroos – They cannot be rehabilitated and must be euthanased by a qualified officer

If you see an injured or sick native animal and decide to check it:

• Pull off the road and park in a safe place. Use car hazard lights if necessary.
• If the animal is on the road, check for traffic. Ask others to help with traffic.
• Approach the animal slowly.
• When you check the animal, protect your eyes, hands and any other exposed body parts.
• Before picking up the animal, secure and cover its head and body with a towel, jumper etc. then gently wrap it and pick it up. Ensure that it can breathe freely.
• Be aware that the animal will be in or will go into shock. Shock can kill an animal quickly and you may not be able to save it. When in shock, the animal will not be calm even though it may appear so.
• Be aware that the animal may be unconscious or concussed. It may suddenly become active when it regains consciousness.
• If you decide to transport the animal to a carer or a Vet, keep it quiet, covered and warm. It is essential to handle it as little as possible.
• For car travel, it is important to place the animal in a covered cardboard box. Loosen the cloth around it to allow it to breathe.
• Record the location of the pick-up for the carer.
• If there is a delay in reaching the carer, treat for dehydration. Offer water or water with a little glucose/honey. Never force the animal to take water or food.
• Continue to keep the animal in a dark, comfortable, ventilated and warm cardboard box until it recovers from shock, which may be 8-10 hours.
• If you think it has life threatening injuries or you are unsure how sick it is, take it to a Vet or carer as soon as possible.