RESIDENTS and visitors to the Mornington Peninsula are being asked to help native wildlife affected by high temperatures.
Prolonged heat can makes animals appear lethargic, disorientated or unresponsive, so it’s important to take care when helping them.
Tree-dwelling and nocturnal animals, such as possums and koalas, which are suffering from heat stress, may be seen on the ground during the day searching for water. Birds will often pant and stretch their wings to cool down.
To help, place bowls of water around shady areas and spray mist into trees and shrubs from a garden hose.
Place small animals which appear lethargic or sick on a damp towel in a well-ventilated, cool container and give them a bowl of water. Use gloves when touching the animals.
Larger animals, such as kangaroos, koalas and wombats, or disease carrying animals like flying foxes, should only be treated by trained wildlife experts.
Wildlife shelters and foster carers help heat-stressed, sick or injured wildlife.
Vets, licensed shelters and rehabilitation organisations can provide advice and assistance.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 February 2017
