WITH another hot summer breathing down our necks, the welfare of our native animals is always a worry. There are often extremes of dry hot conditions, or deluges of rain, with the ever-present threat of bushfires. Our Hotline (07) 5441 6200 will be operating 24/7 as usual for the 365 days of the year.
Anyone cleaning up their back yard should be aware that echidnas may have a puggle in a cool dark tunnel under the ground. At this time of year, the mother returns to feed the young every 5 to 10 days. Hidden away so carefully, it is a worry that people may decide to burn a pile of foliage or dig up an area without a thought for these little treasures that don’t emerge till February onwards. At the moment puggles resemble a fat little grey ball with their spines growing fast. Fire bans will undoubtedly now remain throughout our summer months.
Birds are masters of misadventure in spring and summer, especially the fledglings. Any birds found on the ground need to be checked out for injuries or illness. A drooping wing, or eyes that remain closed in a diurnal species, is an indication something is wrong.
If finding a bird, or any animal, always put some layers of cloth (that they can’t get claws tangled in), in the bottom of the carton. This prevents the bird from sliding around and experiencing more pain. WILVOS recommend rolling up a hand towel or towel and folding it around the bird so it’s neck and wings are supported. We would not go jumping around with an unsupported fractured arm! Some simple measures can assist with pain relief until the bird gets to a wildlife hospital or vet.
Thank you for caring about our wildlife.
From Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au