If you find injured wildlife
Gungahlin residents, especially those in Forde and Harrison, live very close to some reserves that are teeming with wildlife. Some lucky residents will have had close encounters with our beautiful Australian animals, as they often like to visit backyards. A good way to encourage this is by planting lots of native vegetation. Unfortunately these encounters are not always positive ones. For example, our native animals seem not to have learnt how to cross roads yet!
Hazards for wildlife and how to reduce them:
Cars – Drive slowly especially around dawn and dusk. Scan the roadside when travelling through grasslands and woodlands.
Snail Bait – Birds and lizards will sometimes eat the bait or snails/slugs that have already been poisoned. You can purchase snail bait that is considered safe for pets and wildlife or, better still, try a natural control method.
Pets – Cats and dogs pose an enormous threat to our wildlife. Keep cats indoors. It is illegal in Forde and Bonner to have cats uncontained. Contact TAMS on 13 22 81 for details. Keep an eye/ear out for your dog. Dogs will often bark or growl excitedly when they have cornered something. A good idea is to train your dog to respond straight away when you tell them to 'come' or 'leave it'. There are many dog training schools where you can get advice for how to train your dog. The RSPCA ACT also offers training schools and advice.
What to do with injured wildlife
If you find injured wildlife, try not to handle it too much as this increases stress. Contact RSPCA Wildlife straight away as the animal will often need medical attention. By doing this you are giving the animal the best chance of recovery.
RSPCA ACT is the main contact for injured wildlife:
Business Hours 6287 8113
After Hours 0413 495 031
www.rspca-act.org.au
If an animal is not injured leave it alone. It is illegal to keep a native animal for more than 48 hours but this time can be critical for it’s survival. Get it to RSPCA ACT as soon as you can.
Here are some steps to follow if you find injured wildlife.
Birds
New Holland Honeyeater By Rachel Marks
1. Throw a towel over the bird and pick it up while being careful to keep its wings close to its body.
2. Place it in a box with air holes and put it in a quiet room.
3. Phone RSPCA ACT
4. Do not try to feed it or give it water
Is it really injured?
Sometimes birds appear injured but really they are just young birds learning to fly. This often happens during spring and early summer. If the young bird is still standing and its parents are attending to it, keep your pets inside and keep an eye on it. If the young bird can perch, it is old enough to be out of its nest and sometimes just needs a hand to be put onto a branch of a tree close by. If the bird still appears to be injured the following day, phone RSPCA ACT for advice.
Possums
If you are concerned that the injured possum is too big or feisty for you to handle, phone RSPCA ACT or Canberra Connect.
1. If you can, pick it up using a towel or small blanket.
2. Place it in a secure box (adults can be very strong) or pillowcase with an elastic band securing the end. If it is a baby wrap it in a soft towel or jumper and keep it warm.
3. Phone RSPCA ACT.
4. Do not try to feed it or give it water.
Kangaroos/ Wallabies
[Swamp Wallaby By Rachel Marks]
1. Stay a safe distance away so you do not further distress the animal or put yourself at risk of injury.
2. Phone Canberra Connect
Rangers deal with injured adult kangaroos. Phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
Joeys
1. Wrap in a soft towel or jumper and keep warm
2. Contact RSPCA ACT
3. Do not try to feed it or give it water
Bats
1. If you are sure it is injured wrap it in a small soft towel
2. Place in a box
3. Phone RSPCA ACT
4. Do not touch it with your bare hands so as to avoid being bitten. Even though they are cute they can carry diseases.
Reptiles
Every now and then you may come across injured reptiles. Lizards are often caught by dogs and can suffer crushing injuries. Turtles will often travel after rain. Sometimes have to cross roads so are at risk of being hit by cars.
For all reptiles -
1. Wrap in a small towel
2. Phone RSPCA ACT
Snakes
DO NOT TOUCH snakes. If you come across an injured snake or one caught in netting, phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
Although snakes can inflict a venomous bite it is unlikely they will attack unless they are cornered or provoked. Most people who are bitten by snakes are those who are trying to kill them. The best thing to do if you come across a snake is to leave it alone.
If you notice one in your yard, bring your pets and children indoors while it passes through.
Other Species
For species not listed here, phone RSPCA ACT for advice.