Emergency Contacts for Wildlife Care and Rescue

What do you do?

Responding to wildlife emergencies can be dangerous and untrained responders may cause harm to themselves or the animal. You should not attempt to rescue a native animal if you don't have the proper skills. This is because:

• incorrect handling and transport methods can be stressful for the animal and lead to further injury

• animals are often situated in dangerous locations such as on powerlines or beside busy roads

• many animals can cause serious injuries and even death, for example, venomous snakes, birds of prey, adult kangaroos or koalas, or animals carrying diseases, such as flying foxes (also called fruit bats).

You should only attempt to rescue a sick, injured or orphaned native animal not capable of fending for itself if it is safe for both you and the animal. You must not, however, attempt to rescue snakes, bats, flying foxes or marine wildlife.

If you find an injured, sick or orphaned native animal:

• you should contact a professional as listed above for help

• you should follow any instructions given by a professional you've contacted for help

• you are not allowed to keep it as a pet – possessing or rehabilitating a native animal without an authority is illegal under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and can lead to prosecution.