RESCUE RESPONSE

A general guide to rescue

If you find an injured animal, remember that it is wild - probably suffering from shock and with possible injuries. Minimal handling is a must to avoid additional stress.
Call our hotline or take the animal directly to the vet for treatment.

Fauna Rescue ‘Hotline’ Rescue Service

We offer a vital service known as “The Hotline.” This emergency hotline provides assistance and guidance to the community for wildlife emergencies. Available 24/7, The Hotline connects callers with our team of volunteers who offer advice, coordinate rescuess, and arrange for transport of injured or orphaned wildlife to carers or medical assistance.

Hotline statistics for June 2024

Hotline statistics for May 2024

Hotline statistics for April 2024

Hotline statistics for March 2024

Hotline statistics for February 2024

Hotline statistics for January 2024

Put your safety first

a frightened animal could scratch or bite. If on a road, beware of traffic danger.

Be prepared

Take a sheet with you, even if the animal doesn’t appear to be able to move. It may suddenly get up or you may need to quickly grab a joey. To calm them, the GOLDEN RULE for most animals is to cover the head as quickly as possible.

Assess for injuries

and determine species. If is a frog, do not handle it with your hands as chemicals on your skin can harm it. If it is a BAT, do not touch or handle it – phone us and we will contact a vaccinated person to rescue.

Check the pouch and bushland

If the joey is furless do not forcibly remove it from the mother’s teat, take the deceased adult with the baby still in the pouch to the vet or carer. If the joey is not attached to the mother, wrap it in a pillowcase or cloth, and keep it warm.
Check surrounding bushland for other joeys.

If safe, clear carcass from road

This will protect predator animals, such as eagles.

Don't give food or drink yet

We need to wait until their injuries have been assessed.

Provide warmth and security

Minimal handling is a must. Try to keep the animal covered, particularly their eyes, this will reduce stress. Small animals can be placed in a dark box or bag and kept quiet. Large animals can be covered with a sheet. Snakes and lizards can be put in a pillowcase and tied at the top. (Do not handle reptiles unless you have had training).

Note rescue address

This is so we can return them to their families after treatment.

Be respectful

Remember what it is like when you are scared, sick or injured. You prefer a safe, quite environment. Turn off your radio in the car whilst travelling and keep interaction to only what is necessary. Your injured patient will be very frightened.

The GOLDEN RULE for most animals is to cover their head as quickly as possible.
This will generally calm them down.

BANDICOOTS

If you find a sick or injured bandicoot please contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389 or take it to the vet. They have highly specialised needs and it is crucial for their survival that they receive expert care as soon as possible.
Check for life, if the animal is dead, check the pouch for young (they can have more than one young) and remove body from the road. If a teat is elongated and showing signs of use and no young is present in the pouch, check the area.
When handling an injured bandicoot beware of the sharp claws and sharp teeth. Try to hold by the base of the tail and scruff of neck.
Wrap in a towel or pillowcase or place in a covered carry cage. Stress is a major contributor of death of all marsupials.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Note where you found the injured bandicoot for release purposes.

BATS, FLYING FOXES, FRUIT BATS, MICROBATS
If a bat, flying fox, fruit bat is found hanging in a tree or powerline away from the colony during the daylight then something is wrong. Sometimes they are just resting and may fly off in the evening. If not, we'll send an experienced rescuer.
If you find a BAT, please do not touch or handle it – phone us and we will contact a vaccinated person (for Lyssavirus) to come to the rescue.

Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389.
If safe to do so, cover the animal with a cloth to prevent further distress or injury and to protect it from the sun.
DO NOT HANDLE A BAT (including flying fox, fruit bat or microbat) unless you are a licensed rescuer who has been vaccinated against lyssavirus.
Contain the bat if possible - without handling it - by covering with an upside down basket or box.
Do not attempt to give food or water.

If the injured bat is on the ground – cover it with a cloth to prevent further distress or injury and to protectit from the sun. Cover gently with an upside down laundry basket or box.
If the injured bat is entangled in barb wire or fruit netting - A bat tangled on a barbed wire can be saved if rescued quickly. Please note, they are in immense pain and are stressed.
Without putting further weight or pressure on it, cover the bat with a wet towel to reduce stress and prevent further injury. Entangled bats have often suffered blood loss and dehydration and will lick water from the towel.

IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR SCRATCHED Queensland Health recommends:

Wash gently but thoroughly with soap and water for approximately 5 minutes. Do not scrub the wound.
Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) after washing.
If you get bat saliva in your eyes, nose or mouth - flush the area thoroughly with water.
Contact a doctor or nearest hospital immediately

BIRDS

To capture an injured bird: where possible have two people encourage the bird to move into the corner of a fence or building so it can be more easily captured.
Use a towel or cloth to place over the bird rather than using your hands.
Beware of sharp claws and beak.
Contain the bird using a box just large enough to confine but not large enough to allow flapping which will inflict further injury and distress. Line the box with cloth or newspaper. If the bird is severely injured, wrap in a pillowcase or towel. Ensure air supply in the box.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389 or take it to the vet (some vets do not charge for medical treatment for native wildlife - check first).
Note where you found the injured bird for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

WHAT TO DO IF A YOUNG BIRD FALLS FROM IT'S NEST
There are several young bird species that often leave the nest before they are quite ready to fly. Their parents often protect them at this time.

First determine if the fledgling really does need rescuing, or does it just need a hand getting back to it's parents.
Often these birds can be placed on a branch close to it's nest and left and observed rather than being brought into care.
Try to identify the parent bird and find the nest. ALWAYS try to put uninjured baby birds back into the nest or as close as you can (parents DO NOT reject young touched by humans). Handle the bird as little as possible to prevent injury.

CONSTRUCTING A MAKESHIFT NEST:

If you can't locate or reach the nest you can construct a makeshift nest (margarine or ice cream container, bucket or a hanging basket - match the size of your makeshift nest to the original).
Ensure the makeshift nest has drainage holes. Add a small stick for perching, put dried leaves, grass and twigs in the bottom.
Attach the nest to a branch or structure in a shaded, safe position as close as possible to the original nest.
Place the baby bird in the nest in view of the parents if possible. Babies that are placed into the nest need to be watched for at least a couple of hours to see if the parents are feeding them. If not, call FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.
If the parent bird is feeding the chick during the day, but not staying with it at night, you can bring the chick into the house at night. Same applies if there is heavy rain. Persevere if the parents are feeding the chick - it won't take long until the chick can fly.
SEE THIS VIDEO ON BUILDING A NEST: https://youtu.be/emup7b8glK4

WHAT TO DO IF A BIRD FLIES INTO THE WINDOW

If no injuries, gently place the bird in a covered box and put in a quiet room away from noise, children and pets. Often they are simply suffering from concussion and need a quiet, dark, stress-free place to recouperate.
Do not offer food. Observe for a few hours and if not improving contact FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.
If the bird appears injured contact FRW immediately, gently place in a lined box with holes, take to a carer or vet urgently.

If birds flying into windows is a recurring problem SEE FAQ's section for prevention ideas.

WHAT TO DO IF A BIRD IS TANGLED IN FRUIT NETTING

Call FRW and we will send a rescuer to cut the netting off the bird using small pair of scissors with rounded ends.

THERE IS A BIRD HANGING FROM A TREE - WHAT CAN I DO?
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.

ORPHANED DUCKLINGS

Do not release orphaned ducklings back into the water as they don't have their own waterproof feathers yet so they will die of pneumonia. The mother provides the oil for waterproofing.
Collect the ducklings and place in a warm box and contact FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.

DUCKLING STUCK IN THE POOL

Turn the pool filter off immediately. The ducklings could be sucked into the filtration system and be killed as they cannot get out.
A wet towel hung over the side of the pool attached to a float will allow the ducklings a means of escape from the pool. The birds should be observed from a distance to see if the parents return and lead the ducklings away.
If the ducklings need to be caught, the adult duck needs to be caught first. The ducklings then can be herded into a corner and scooped out with a long handled catching net or pool scoop. Re-unite parents and ducklings and release in a safe environment nearby.

ECHIDNAS

If you find a sick or injured echidna please contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389. They have highly specialised needs and it is crucial for their survival that they receive expert care as soon as possible.
Check for life, if the animal is dead check the pouch for puggles and remove from the road.
If an echidna is injured and needs rescuing and you are unable to pick it up due to it digging itself into the ground, use a fine spray mist bottle to wet it's head. The echidna will loosen it's grip in the soil to enable you to pick it up.
Use gardening gloves to protect your hands from the spines.
Never place an echidna in a cardboard box. They will dig through the cardboard and end up burrowing under the carpet of your car or house. Use a plastic bucket or container with high sides as they can also stretch up and out of a normal bucket. They can also climb up wire fencing. Never put an echidna into an aviary or cage. As they climb the wire they can damage their snouts.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Note where you found the injured echidna for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.
If you see an echidna and it is not injured or in danger then leave it alone. When echidnas wake from hibernation they often become disorientated. Many have been found under carports with a brick wall and concrete. All they need is to be turned around and headed back in the right direction. Most have wandered in from local parks or scrub.
Never remove a healthy echidna from the area in which it is found. It could be a female echidna with a puggle in a burrow nearby. If you take the mother away to relocate in another area her baby will starve to death. Echidnas have also been known to try and find their way back home. They then face the risk of having to cross roads and being hit by cars.

FROGS

Before handling a frog thoroughly wet your hands with water, or better still wear wet gloves (secretions on our skins are absorbed by the frog and could cause further injury).
Gently place the frog in a waterproof container with a lid and holes for breathing.
Place a few drops of water on it's skin so that it doesn't dry out. Spring water or rainwater is best.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389 or take it to the vet (some vets do not charge for medical treatment for native wildlife - check first).
In order to prevent fungal disease spread - never relocate a frog.

KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES

Check for signs of life, if the animal is dead, check the pouch for a joey, and remove body from the road to avoid injury to other animals such as birds of prey.
Injured kangaroos can be aggressive so always approach from behind so they can't kick you. Beware of sharp claws, strong legs and tail and sharp teeth.
If an injured adult is found on the ground, cover the animal's head with a towel, blanket or jumper to reduce distress. Stress is a major contributor of death of all marsupials.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Note where you found the injured animal for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

BABY KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES

Try to keep the animal covered, particularly their eyes. Stress is a major contributor of death of kangaroos and wallabies.
Always check dead marsupials for joeys. If the joey is furless do not forcibly remove it from it's mother's teat as this will cause further injury, even death. If the mother is dead and you feel comfortable to do so, use a pair of scissors to cut the teat as close as possible to the mother's pouch. If possible, attach a safety pin to the end of the teat to stop the joey from swallowing it. If you are not comfortable cutting the teat then take the deceased adult with the baby still in the pouch, to the vet or wildlife carer.
Check surrounding bushland for joeys. Macropods can have joeys of different ages. One may have left the pouch on impact and could be hiding closeby while a smaller one is still in the pouch.
Wrap it in a pillowcase or cloth, and keep it warm as furless joeys are unable to maintain their own body temperature.
A bottle of lukewarm (not hot) water wrapped in a towel can be used to provide heat. If small enough you could place the joey inside your shirt to warm.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Note where you found the injured animal for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

KOALAS

If you find a sick or injured koala please contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389. They have highly specialised needs and it is crucial for their survival that they receive expert care as soon as possible.
Check for life, if the animal is dead, check the pouch for young. If a live joey is found then transport the adult with the young still in the pouch to the local vet or carer.
Cover the koala with something warm such as a towel or jumper, and give it a rolled-up towel or soft toy to hold. Place an upside down empty box or basket over it to contain it. Weigh this down to prevent escape. Beware of sharp claws and sharp teeth. Avoid handling directly. Stress is a major contributor of death of all marsupials.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Note where you found the injured koala.
Check surrounding bushland for joeys as they often leave the on impact and may be hiding closeby.

POSSUMS AND GLIDERS
If you see a possum out during the daylight there may be something wrong, they are nocturnal animals.

Check for life, if the animal is dead, check the pouch for young. If a live joey is found then transport the adult with the young still in the pouch to the local vet or carer. Possums and gliders can have several young and these may be riding on mum's back or gliders may have babies in a nest. If you find an elongated or possibly active teat in a pouch but no young there may be young closeby or a nest nearby. Be alert for them.
If an injured adult is found on the ground, cover the animal's head with a towel, blanket or jumper to reduce distress. Place an upside down washing basket or box over the animal, and weigh down to prevent escape.
When handling an injured possum or glider beware of the sharp claws and sharp teeth. Try to hold by the base of the tail and scruff of neck. Please note, stress is a major contributor of death of all marsupials.
Check surrounding bushland for joeys as they often leave the on impact and may be hiding closeby.
To transport, wrap it in a towel, pillowcase or place it in a covered carry cage or box with holes. Turn car radio off.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Note where you found the injured possum or glider for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

FRW do not trap healthy possums or gliders which are considered nuisance. Please see FAQ's for information on nuisance possums or gliders.

BABY POSSUMS AND GLIDERS

Try to keep the animal covered, particularly their eyes. Stress is a major contributor of death of possums and gliders.
If the joey is furless do not forcibly remove it from it's mother's teat as this will cause further injury, even death. If the mother is dead and you feel comfortable to do so, use a pair of scissors to cut the teat as close as possible to the mother's pouch. If possible, attach a safety pin to the end of the teat to stop the joey from swallowing it. If you are not comfortable cutting the teat then take the deceased adult with the baby still in the pouch, to the vet or wildlife carer.
Wrap it in a pillowcase or cloth, and keep it warm as furless joeys are unable to maintain their own body temperature.
A bottle of lukewarm (not hot) water wrapped in a towel can be used to provide heat. If small enough you could place the joey inside your shirt to warm.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389.
Note where you found the injured possum or glider for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

REPTILES

LIZARDS

Place the injured lizard in a secure lidded box with air holes, or place inside a secure pillow case. Never pickup or hold a lizard by the tail (skinks drop their tails). Beware of sharp teeth, claws and it's tail.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
Contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389
Note where you found the injured lizard for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.

SNAKES

Do not handle a snake unless you are experienced and trained to do so.
If you find an injured snake contact FRW immediately on 07 4947 3389 or call an experienced snake handler for assistance. Keep the snake in sight, from a distance, until help arrives.
If bitten by a snake, apply a pressure bandage, immobilise the limb and call emergency 000.

TURTLES

Please note, if the shell is broken this is an extremely painful injury for the turtle. Please be gentle.
If the turtle is bleeding and you can safely do so, apply a bandage and tape it to the shell. You can use non-stick bandages for small wounds.
If possible, place the injured turtle in a secure lidded box with air holes, or place inside a secure pillow case. Beware of sharp claws.
Do not attempt to give food or water.
If in the Whitsundays contact the Turtle Rescue Hotline 07 4946 5198.
If you find a turtle who is on its back, you can gently turn it over.
If the turtle is entangled you can cut if free - but If the entanglement has cut through the skin its best to leave the entanglement on for the moment. If the entanglement has cut through an artery and is cut free the animal could bleed out and die within minutes.
Keep the turtle covered with a wet towel and make a sun shade - If the weather is cold and windy it is best not to as this can decrease the turtles core temperature. If it is windy and cold it is best to cover the turtle with a dry towel (do not cover the animals head).
Floating turtles are unable to maintain their desired geographical location due to floating on the surface. Wind, tides and currents blow these animals away from warmer waters and they often wash up. Floating is caused by eating hard plastics that block the lower intestine and causes the gut impaction. They require urgent attention and if left will die a painful death.
Please keep children and dogs away as noise and excess movement will increase the turtle's distress and possible cause death.
Note where you found the injured turtle for it will be released as close to it's home location as possible.