Watch out for wildlife

IT’S the time of year when people go on journeys, and that’s not always good for wildlife.
More cars means more accidents with wildlife.
Warwick Wildlife Care & Rescue has provided guidelines on the actins drivers can take in the unfortunate circumstance of an accident.
First is to double-check that the animal is dead, and then whether it is female.
“It’s often easier to tell the males from the females as the testes are obvious, lying firm against the lower abdomen”, said Lyn Prowse-Bishop, one of the group’s trained marsupial carers.
“And all female marsupials like wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and possums will have a pouch – though often they’re difficult to find. And pouches should always be checked for young.”
If the animal hit is not dead, cover the face to reduce stress, and contact the RSPCA on 1300-ANIMAL (in Queensland) or the local police who can assist with euthanasia.
If the animal is dead, people should pull it from the roadway into the grass verge to protect scavenger wildlife like wedge-tailed eagles feeding on the remains from similarly being hit.
“If you find pouch young do not tug it off if it is firmly attached to mum’s teat but seek help from RSPCA or a local wildlife care group,” Ms Prowse-Bishop said.
“Severe and permanent damage can be done to the teeth and jaw of a joey if it is yanked off the teat.”
She said that if the joey is not firmly attached to the teat or is outside the mother, a pillow case makes a good substitute pouch and is likely to be on hand during the holidays.
Keep the animal quiet and warm, turn off music, don’t smoke, and don’t let the children play with it, she said.
“If a joey is rescued, please don’t wait until the end of the holiday or continue your trip and bring the animal all the way home before passing it on,” she said.
Transporting native wildlife is an offence, and people rescuing an injured animal have 72 hours to pass it on to a vet or qualified carer.
“Best to call 1300-ANIMAL (in Queensland) and they will find a local carer to take the animal from you,” Ms Prowse-Bishop said.
You could also drop the animal to a vet who will know local carers. It’s best all round – and most importantly for the animal – if a carer in the vicinity the animal is found can be located.”
In New South Wales, contact WIRES – 13000-WIRES or local police or vets – or download the IFAW iPhone app – Wildlife Rescue which gives instructions and phone numbers for organisations in various locations across NSW.
More information about Warwick Wildlife Care & Rescue Inc can be found at their website – www.warwickwildlife.org.au – and the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/warwickwildlife