Many native species are potentially affected during heatwaves depending on the number of days and heat intensity with flying foxes at greater risk once the temperature exceeds 40 degrees when they then difficulty regulating their body temperature. They may also abandon their pups in order to save themselves which is nature’s response to extreme conditions. WIRES’ advice is to please never attempt to rescue or handle a pup or adult bat due to the risk of contracting lyssavirus, instead please call WIRES or the nearest wildlife rescue group so a trained and vaccinated volunteer can attend and safely rescue the affected animal.
Extreme heat can also impact other species leading to dehydration and exhaustion and can sometimes be fatal. Native animals may struggle to find enough water or suitable shelter and show signs of confusion, lethargy, and disorientation. Species-specific heat stress signs include:
- Birds may be observed panting with open beaks, wings outstretched, & seeking shade
- Possums, gliders, and koalas, may be found on the ground, seeking cooler areas
- Kangaroos and wallabies may be observed salivating and reluctant to move even if approached
- Reptiles may be seen seeking cover in cool, dark places such as under bushes, in burrows, or rock walls
But there are steps the public can take to assist wildlife during these heatwaves including:
- Leave out shallow bowls of fresh water in their gardens or on balconies in a shady position and add a few sticks or stones on one side to allow smaller animals to escape should they fall in. Ensure the containers are clean and the water is changed daily. Please place the container out of reach of pet cats and dogs to avoid any interaction and where possible keep pets indoors to reduce any risk of attack on vulnerable wildlife.
- Check swimming pools and skimmer boxes regularly for wildlife that may have fallen in – snakes and lizards are known to end up in skimmer boxes so treat every snake as potentially venomous and wait for a trained volunteer to assist. Please provide a tethered rope over the edge of the pool or a platform for animals to cling onto and climb out themselves.
- You can also activate garden sprinklers to birds cool down, ideally placed in the shade and/or provide extra shade using outdoor umbrellas or other temporary covers.
Motorists are also advised to be extra vigilant at these times especially at dusk and dawn when nocturnal native animals may be crossing roads and highways seeking water sources. If possible keep rescue items such as a cardboard box, gloves, personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser, and a towel, in the boot of your car in case you find an injured animal that you can safely contain.
If you are concerned about a suspected heat-affected native animal please call WIRES 24/7 Rescue Office on 1300 094 737 for advice – or fill in the WIRES Report a Rescue form at https://www.wires.org.au/report-a-rescue. Further wildlife and heatwave details can be found at https://www.wires.org.au/extreme-heat
Media Release: WIRES
