DO NOT approach snakes, monitor lizards (goannas), bats (flying-foxes or microbats), large macropods (kangaroos or wallabies) or raptors (eagles, falcons or hawks). They either need special skills for handling or are very venomous. If you encounter any of these animals in distress, please call: WIRES Wildlife Rescue Line 1300 094 737
If you see any wildlife in need but you are scared to approach it for any reasons, do not worry: Just call WIRES Wildlife Rescue Line. They will come to the place and deal with the situation. They are trained professionals who know how to handle and restrain wildlife and manage any situation.
If you think that you can handle the situation, first take some time to be prepared. Sometimes it can be stressful for the rescuer and for the wildlife, so it’s better to be organized.
The best approach is to have the cardboard box ready with the hot water bottle and the fresh water already inside. Place the cardboard box next to you as this will reduce the time you are handling the wildlife, minimizing the probability of being bitten or scratched.
Very gently cover the wildlife with the old towel. Try to be focused on what you are doing. This is the most dangerous part of a rescue. If you get distracted you can be attacked and injured. Once it is restrained, place the wildlife into the cardboard box and close it.
After the rescue, there are two options: