MAMMALS

 WILDLIFE RESCUE SOUTH COAST INC

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Common Problems

  • Cat or dog attack

  • Car impact

  • Mange

  • Orphaned

In the majority of situations, it is best not to try to catch the animal if it is active, as many can scratch or bite. It is usually best to call Wildlife Rescue (or a similar group) for advice as soon as possible.

Catching injured mammals

  • Do not put yourself in danger.

  • Animals don't know you are trying to help and they can scratch and bite quite hard

  • Mammals carry parasites such as fleas ticks, and mange, so wash thoroughly afterwards

  • Echidnas dig in if threatened. NEVER dig out an echidna as this can lead to severed limbs or snout - from which they do not recover.

  • Covering animals with a towel or light blanket, makes them easier to lift and carry.

More Information

  • IN NSW It is illegal to keep animals from the wild as pets without a licence.

  • In NSW it is illegal to kill, harm, trap or trade any native animal from the wild

  • Some animals have unusual behaviour - don't assume they are sick

  • Native animals must be returned to the area in which they are found.

  • Information on Bats caught in netting here

What to do

If an experienced wildlife carer is not available there are some steps you can take - but only if you feel confident in carrying them out. But never handle snakes or bats unless trained.


Firstly, observe as much as you can without interference.

  • Is the animal breathing?

  • Can you see any wounds or blood?
  • Are there any obvious broken bones?
  • Can you see if it is a male or female?
  • Are there young in the pouch or nearby?

  • If safe to do so, remove the animal from danger (e.g. away from dogs or off the road).

  • You may be able to calm the animal by covering its head with a towel or light blanket.

  • If you can easily lift a small animal, place it into a box, or pillow case. It may be easy to handle when in shock, but as they recover they may become frightened and aggressive.

  • Keep baby animals warm (around body temp). Keeping them under your shirt is a good way of temporarily maintaining their warmth.

  • Many native animals will react to synthetic fibers, so try to wrap babies in natural materials.

  • If the animal has any open wounds, you could treat these with a diluted antiseptic such as Betadine.

  • Do NOT feed native animals milk. They need special formula. Offer them water, but do NOT force them to drink.

  • It is difficult to treat Australian native animals, and you need to be licensed to keep them in care. 

  • So you must call a wildlife carer such as those authorised by Wildlife Rescue South Coast, or take the animal to the nearest vet as soon as possible

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Updated July 2011

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 Australian Fauna Care

 Rescue Hotline 0418 427 214   (Kiama to Batemans Bay)
 Rescue Hotline 0417 238 921  (Mogo  to Victorian Border)

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