Sick or injured wildlife: What to do & who to call

Wild animals can become sick or injured for a variety of reasons. Natural disasters such as bushfires, being hit by a vehicle, attacked by another animal or entangled in fencing or other items. They can also become sick due to natural causes, such as disease. Sadly, sickness, injury or death in wildlife can also result in orphaned young.

What to do if you find sick or injured wildlife

Call for help

If you find sick or injured wildlife you need to call your nearest vet or wildlife organisation as soon as possible so they can receive the appropriate care and treatment. You can find a detailed list of wildlife organisations at the base of this page.

Seek guidance before handling

Seek professional help before approaching or handling a sick or injured wild animal to prevent further stress or injury to the animal and for the safety of yourself. Sick or injured wildlife can bite, run or hide due to the pain they are experiencing, out of fear or to protect themselves.

If instructed, handle with care

If you are instructed to handle the animal and it is safe to do so, approach calmly and with care. You will need some basic supplies such as a towel, blanket, thick gloves and a sturdy carrier such as a cardboard box. Try to keep the environment quiet and dark to minimise stress. Do not offer food or water unless you have advice from a vet or wildlife carer to do so. Each species has a specific diet and feeding them incorrectly or while in shock can be fatal.

Note the environment

Take note of the environment and where you found the animal to provide to your vet or wildlife carer so they can release the animal back to the same place or a similar environment once rehabilitated.

Do not handle dangerous animals

Sick or injured wildlife: what to do & who to call

If you encounter a potentially dangerous animal such as a snake, bat, goanna, raptor (hawk, eagle, falcon), adult koala, adult kangaroo or wallaby do not approach or touch the animal. Contact a wildlife carer or professional handler to come and help the animal. These animals require specialist handling and must be rescued by trained professionals.

Do not take them home

Wildlife can only be cared for legally by veterinarians or authorised wildlife carers. Special skills, treatment and rehabilitation are required to help wildlife recover sufficiently and return to their natural habit. Without this skilled care, they may not recover or they may lose their natural behaviours.

 

Who do I contact if I find sick or injured wildlife?

In addition to your local vet there are many wildlife organisations you can call that will provide you with advice or support for sick or injured wildlife.


Australia wide

  • Wildlife Rescue Australia – www.wildliferescue.net.au or 1300 596 457 (24 hours)

  • Australian Fauna Care Network - you can also search online for your closest wildlife rescue volunteer at www.fauna.org.au.

 

State and territory wildlife organisations

 

In the unfortunate event that you find sick or injured wildlife please contact your local vet or wildlife organisation as soon as possible so they can get the special care and help they need.

Belinda Vaughan