Reporting injured wildlife

You are unsure if it is injured, but you don't often see animals lying so close to the road. You stop the car and go to have a quick look at the animal. It doesn't get up or run away as you approach, but you don't want to get too close, just in case.

You can't see any obvious injuries, but something just doesn't seem right. What do you do now? You think about calling Wildcare, but what if there's nothing wrong and someone comes out unnecessarily? You decide to call Wildcare. What happens next?

When you make a phone call to Wildcare, the call is answered by a Helpline volunteer. The phone line is staffed 24/7. The Helpline volunteer will collect information from you, including your name and phone number, the specific location of the animal and any visible landmarks, the type of animal, the approximate size or age of the animal and the nature of any visible injuries.

All these questions help the roster volunteer determine the most suitable rescuer to send to assist the animal. Some rescues need specific training, such as snakes, or vaccinated rescuers, in the case of bats. Occasionally, members of the public are asked if they can safely bring the animal to a rescuer or take it to a vet.

These decisions are made to ensure an injured or orphaned animal gets the assistance it needs, as quickly as possible. You may also be asked if you can remain nearby the animal until a rescuer arrives. If you are unable to do so, it is helpful if you can mark the animal's location with something, such as a plastic shopping bag tied to a fence post.

When the rescuer arrives at the animal's location, they begin to make an assessment of the animals' injuries or circumstances in order to make a determination on whether the animal should be brought into care, left in place and monitored regularly, or euthanised.

If the animal is being brought into care, the rescuer will start planning for this to happen, including how to safely transport the animal. Once in care, the animal will be given a thorough assessment and a care plan will be devised to assist the successful rehabilitation, and ultimately the release of the animal back to the wild.

If the decision is made to monitor an animal in place, the rescuer will visit the animal regularly to ensure its condition is not deteriorating. This is often done to minimise the serious effects that stress of capture places on the animal.

If the animal is too severely injured or will be unreleasable, and the rescuer determines that it is unlikely to survive, the decision may be made to humanely euthanise the animal.

This is a decision that must be left to an experienced person who has a sound understanding of what is realistically achievable. Members of the public should not attempt to euthanise an animal themselves. Not only is this illegal, but it can also cause unnecessary suffering and cruelty.

If you come across sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, or an animal that just doesn't seem to be behaving normally and could need assistance, please phone Wildcare on 6299 1966. We would much rather you call us so that we can make an informed assessment to ensure the best outcome for the animal.