Critical steps for safely assisting injured, orphaned, or deceased native wildlife.
🚨 Please read before handling an animal. Wildlife Rescue Australia is a referral service, not an emergency ambulance. Most rescues are coordinated through trained volunteers. Your calm action makes all the difference.
⚠️ Immediate Danger — Stay Safe First
If the animal is:
- 🐍 A snake, 🦇 bat/flying fox, or 🦎 goanna — do not approach
- Injured and unknown — assume it may bite, scratch, or carry disease
If a person is bitten or scratched:
- 🐍 Snake bite? Call 000 and refer to [First Aid for Snakebite]
- 🦇 Bat/flying fox scratch or bite? Wash with soap & water for 5 minutes. Seek medical help immediately.
🧺 Step 1 – Make the Animal Safe
- Gently remove dogs, cats, or people from the area
- If safe, cover the animal with a towel or basket to calm it
- Move it off the road only if there’s no danger to you
🚫 Step 2 – Do NOT Offer Food or Water
Even well-meant feeding can cause harm or aspiration.
Wait for trained rescuers or vet advice before giving anything.
🧣 Step 3 – Keep the Animal Warm (If Needed)
If the animal is:
- Cold to the touch
- Shocky
- Very young
Then:
- Wrap it loosely in a towel
- Place in a ventilated, escape-proof box
- Keep in a quiet, dark space
💧 In cool weather, wrap a warm (not hot) water bottle in a teatowel and place near the animal.
🏥 Step 4 – Transport to a Vet (If Safe)
- If you can safely do so, take the animal to a local vet
- Vets rarely charge for treating native wildlife
- 📍 Ask them to note the exact location where it was found
👩🍼 Step 5 – Deceased Marsupial? Check for Joeys
If you find a dead kangaroo, wallaby, possum, or koala:
- Do not remove a joey from the teat
- Wrap the mother and joey in a blanket
- If you must leave:
- Tie coloured tape or a plastic bag nearby
- Send GPS coordinates via text to the wildlife phone coordinator
🐾 Further Notes
- 💔 Animals can die from stress, even without visible injuries
- 🐣 Not all birds on the ground need help—check for parents first
- 🦇 Deceased flying-foxes may have a baby clinging under the wing—check gently from a distance
🧭 Reminder
📞 Wildlife Rescue Australia is a referral network, not a field rescue team.
🧑⚕️ All help is provided by trained volunteers—your patience and preparation help save lives.
