Shobha Srinivasan
Children's Book Author
05/07/2024
What is trauma season for wildlife?
Trauma season in Australia stretches from September to February. This occurs as the weather warms up and animals are out looking for food, water, mating or youngsters are exploring the world around them.
Increasingly this is a challenging time for wildlife, because we have changed the environment around us .. and there is a lot of 'us'.
If you do come across an injured animal, would you consider helping it to get to the closest wildlife hospital or vet? Below are some quick pointers if you are able to assist.
Just a note here before you dive in. Do not handle snakes (need I say why?) bats (bacteria and viruses which you need to be vaccinated against) koalas (may look cute and cuddly but they have sharp claws and can be aggressive) raptors (those big birds of prey with talons and especially strong bitey beaks) and adult macropods (strong flight response, easily stressed, difficult to restrain and may need sedation first)
Try not to get bitten or scratched. Stating the obvious here, but what you think is cute or cuddly is an animal in distress. Probably thinks you are a predator. Every animal will fight to get away, so be aware of that.
You can help only if you have some resources .. maybe a towel, a blanket, a box or gardening gloves in the back of your car? That would be super handy. (hint: Keep all of the above in your car)
Once you have decided to rescue, be confident and be positive. Take a deep breath in, breathe out and move in .. quickly and firmly. Cover the animal with the towel. Gently hold the head so you are controlling the bitey end of things and pick it up like you would pick up a pile of clothes. When you pick it up, try and support as much of the animal as possible. Stay calm, quiet and be as gentle as possible as all animals react to our 'vibe' .. wildlife is no different.
Put the covered animal in your well ventilated box (yes, remember to poke holes in the box first) the towel helps to keep the animal secure and prevents it moving or sliding about. Most animals would feel less stressed when they are covered.
Tape down the box (rookie error not to) and secure it on the back seat. The boot is not as good (exhaust fumes) nor is the floor of the vehicle (vibration).
Turn off your radio. Keep noise to the minimum. They are wildlife please and don't appreciate the radio. Being sick, injured and being handled is stressful. Throw in an unfamiliar environment, smells and sounds and that is a perfect trifecta. It is enough to spiral down further.
Never feed wildlife as a general rule and more so when they are stressed with an injury or sick. Wildlife hospitals will assess and assist. Best leave it to the experts.
A couple of final points. Do assess if the animal NEEDS rescuing in the first place. Baby birds have to try and fly and may land on the ground. As long as they are safe from our domestics, leave them alone to get on with it. If necessary, put the baby bird back in its nest or build one temporarily to get it off the ground. Hanging baskets make awesome nests and can be hung easily. Just as high as you can go. Don't go up a ladder and risk falling off. Common sense is a great resource here. (check out an awesome Wildcare Australia poster below)
If you see a macropod .. kangaroos, wallabies, pademelons or possums etc check their pouch for a joey and your best bet is to call the wildlife hotline in your area. Joey's can stay alive for several days in their mum's pouch, so getting them out of there and vet assistance and then into care, is crucial.
Believe me, it isn't that hard to help. Once you have done it, it'll be the best part of your day. Everyone should feel obligated to assist wildlife because they pretty much look after themselves most days but when they can't, we have this golden opportunity handed to us, to reduce and eliminate the pain of a fellow creature.
So get out there and be the kind of human being the world needs right now!
Have an awesome day while you are at it.
Till the next time.
