The recent bushfires have devastated local native wildlife populations across fire-affected areas of Victoria. Surviving wildlife may be disoriented, smoke-affected, hungry and severely dehydrated. Many animals will be suffering burns to some degree.

Healesville Sanctuary has been caring for more native wildlife at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre due to the fires. These animals are either displaced, stressed or have been injured in the fires.

As one of the nominated triage points across the state, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre is undertaking health assessments and securing the welfare of injured wildlife.

What to do if you find an injured native animal affected by the wildfires

All wild animals should be treated with caution, especially when they are distressed and injured. You should only tend to those animals that are severely injured or unlikely to be able to care for themselves. Wild animals that may bite, or are otherwise dangerous (e.g. venomous snakes), should only be handled by trained wildlife carers or handlers.

If the animal is small:

1. Wear gloves for protection or use a towel or blanket to safely catch an animal and bundle it up.
2. Place it in a pillow case, cloth bag or box a little larger than the animal. Some small animals are very strong (for example echidnas and wombats) and will need to be put into a bin or tub.
3. Place the box in a shady /cool place.
4. Contact the Australian Wildlife Health Centre on 5957 2829 during office hours or RACV Wildlife Connect on 13 11 11 after hours. RACV Wildlife Connect provides a central 24-hour telephone service for any Victorian motorist who hits or encounters injured wildlife on the road. However, following the bushfires, this service has been extended to anyone who encounters injured wildlife. Callers to the Wildlife Connect number will be connected to a volunteer from one of the wildlife rescue services who will provide help and advice.

If the animal is large:

1. Keep clear of the animal and leave it undisturbed (i.e. keep pets away and unnecessary vehicle traffic).
2. Note its location and apparent difficulty. This is important so that it can be returned to a home nearby.
3. Contact the Australian Wildlife Health Centre on 59 57 2829 during office hours or RACV Wildlife Connect on 13 11 11 after hours. RACV Wildlife Connect provides a central 24-hour telephone service for any Victorian motorist who hits or encounters injured wildlife on the road. However, following the bushfires, this service has been extended to anyone who encounters injured wildlife. Callers to the Wildlife Connect number will be connected to a volunteer from one of the wildlife rescue services who will provide help and advice.

You should only provide initial care to injured wildlife. It should then be taken as quickly as possible to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, another triage point, a qualified veterinarian or a wildlife carer. The long-term care and rehabilitation of native animals is best done by experts and, in line with Victorian law, only licensed and trained carers can rehabilitate wildlife.

Other ways to protect native animals impacted by fire:

Native wildlife is particularly vulnerable following a bushfire, due to injuries and reduced food and shelter. Here are some simple things you can do to help:
• Lock up domestic animals (e.g. cats, dogs) to stop them preying on or harassing native wildlife.
• Provide water for wildlife. Place a stick or rock in the container to prevent animals from being trapped or drowning in deep containers (buckets or swimming pools).
• Drive carefully through burnt out areas to protect displaced or remaining wildlife
• Refrain from providing hay as feed for wildlife in burned bushland to reduce the
• spread of weeds and the subsequent degradation of wildlife habitat.
• Remember: providing food and water to Australian native wildlife over a long period of time may expose them to predators and encourage dependency. People wanting dietary advice for native animals can call the Australian Wildlife Health Centre on 59 57 2829 during office hours or RACV Wildlife Connect on 13 11 11 after hours.

Under no circumstances should you enter fire affected areas to search for injured wildlife. This must be done by trained officers under the supervisions of fire authorities.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment is coordinating the rescue of wildlife welfare organisations to ensure that it is being conducted safely and that immediate care goes to the animals in most need.

More information on wildlife welfare after wildfires.

This information has been prepared in consultation with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, veterinary specialists in Australian native wildlife, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and senior animal keeping staff at Healesville Sanctuary.

If you would like to help the Australian Wildlife Health Centre give animals the best possible care, please donate to AWHC Bushfire Appeal by clicking here.
All funds raised through this appeal will directly support the work of the Australian Wildlife Health Centre.