The hot weather is a shock to all – humans and animals. The WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline is
receiving a number of calls pertaining to the change in weather.
Some people are concerned about the spots where possums decide to curl up and sleep for
the day. When they settle in before sunup they may be unaware that the metal roof is going
to get very warm. Lack of housing is often a bigger problem than lack of food in many areas.
EVERY TREE MATTERS!
A couple of years ago a wonderful man in Nambour put an insulated box on a shelf under the
hot metal roof of his shed, where a possum daily slept. The resident possum was most
appreciative. She still loves returning there after her nocturnal adventures. No stomping
around on the roof looking for a home!
We can all help our wildlife by putting out fresh water each day – up high if there are
domestic pets or roaming neighbourhood cats. We hear many sad stories from people who
make their back garden a wildlife haven, only to have local cats come in, killing so many
birds, gliders, possums, and little reptiles. In this case you can phone Customer Service at
your local Council and borrow a cat trap. Australian native animals are disappearing at an
alarming rate and we all have to take responsibility in minimizing this devastation.
When an animal is picked up in this weather the first inclination is to give it water. This is
not a good idea. As with humans in a debilitated state it is not always possible for the animal
to swallow, so the water goes directly into the lungs causing aspiration pneumonia. This is a
major cause of death in baby birds and marsupials, as well as with injured adult animals. If
distance prevents immediate veterinary attention, then an eye dropper can be used to
administer a drop of water even just every five minutes. Holding a bowl up and tilting it is a
killer!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast
Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au
Emergency Hotline: 07 5441 6200
