PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU HIT AN ANIMAL BY LAW YOU MUST STOP AND FOLLOW THE BELOW PROCEDURE.

If you find a distressed, injured or orphaned native animal or if you have an unwelcome native animal in your yard you should firstly contact LAOKO 6456 1313 (Snowy Monaro Wildlife Rescue).

Native fauna does not respond well to human contact. The stress of handling can be fatal to an injured animal. If necessary follow the below basic tips and contact LAOKO as soon as possible.

For small animals & birds

  • To reduce stress to the animal, keep domestic pets and children away.
  • Throw a towel over the animal and quickly pick it up.
  • Gently place in a well-ventilated box and cover the box with a towel or blanket.
  • If the animal is cold, put some warmth near, but not touching it. A bottle filled with hot water wrapped in a small towel will do.
  • Do not provide heat for echidnas or reptiles.
  • Oil covered animals should be placed in a cage or box with good ventilation so they are still able to breathe freely.
  • Place the box in a warm, dark, quiet place and do not disturb.
  • Do not try to give food or water as the animal may be in shock.
  • Call LAOKO or take it to a vet.

For large animals & birds of prey

  • Large animals and birds of prey are dangerous to approach and handle.
  • To reduce stress to the animal, keep domestic pets and children away.
  • Call LAOKO
  • If possible keep track of the animal until a rescuer arrives.

Do not provide food or water for a sick, injured or stressed animal. Native fauna require a specialised diet and have a minimal chance of survival without it. It is illegal to keep native fauna even if orphaned or injured, they must be passed on to a licensed rescue and rehabilitation group as soon as possible.

If you see a dead animal on the side of the road

If you see a dead animal on the road, consider removing it to the side – if you can do so without putting yourself in danger. This has several benefits – you can quickly check to see if there is a joey in the pouch; it may stop other vehicles from swerving to avoid the carcass; and may save further animals that come to feed on the body.