Wildlife Rescue 101 - what to do if you find an injured animal

Australia is home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife in the world. Unfortunately, animals can sometimes find themselves in danger due to road accidents, attacks from pets, or other human-related hazards. If you encounter an injured animal, knowing how to respond can make a huge difference. Here’s what you should do:

1. Your Safety First

Before approaching any injured animal, ensure your own safety. If the animal is on the road, be mindful of traffic. If it’s in a dangerous location, such as near water or in dense bushland, assess the situation before acting. Injured animals may be frightened and react unpredictably, so always approach with caution.

2. Assess the Animal from a Distance

Observe the animal to determine if it is truly injured or in distress. Signs of injury include:

• Limping or difficulty moving

• Bleeding or visible wounds

• Lying on its side and not moving

• Labored breathing or unusual vocalizations

• Signs of disorientation or shock

If the animal is uninjured but in a dangerous location (such as a road), try to encourage it to move to safety without touching it.

3. Call for Help

If you determine the animal needs assistance, contact a licensed wildlife rescue service or veterinarian. In Australia, the following organizations can help:

• WIRES – 1300 094 737

• Local vets – Many veterinarians will accept injured wildlife for treatment

Rescue organizations are trained to handle wildlife safely and will provide the best possible care for the animal.

4. Handle with Care (Only If Necessary)

If the animal is small and can be safely moved, you can help by placing it in a secure, well-ventilated box lined with a soft cloth.

• Never handle a large or dangerous animal (e.g., kangaroos, wombats, snakes, or birds of prey) – they can injure you and themselves.

• Use a towel or cloth to gently pick up smaller animals like possums or birds, keeping them warm and calm.

• Do not give food or water unless advised by a professional, as this can do more harm than good.

5. Check for Orphaned Joeys

If you find a deceased marsupial (such as a kangaroo, wombat, or possum), check its pouch for a joey. Joeys can survive in their mother’s pouch even after she has passed.

• If you find a live joey, keep it warm and quiet—a fabric pouch or soft cloth can help mimic its mother’s warmth.

• Do not try to feed it—only trained wildlife carers should do this.

• Contact a wildlife rescue service immediately for assistance.

6. Watch for Wildlife on Roads

Many native animals are injured or killed by vehicles every year. If you see an injured animal on the roadside:

• Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights.

• If it is safe to do so, check if the animal is alive and needs assistance.

• Report injured wildlife to a rescue group so they can send help.

• If you are driving in an area known for wildlife crossings, slow down at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.

7. Preventing Wildlife Injuries

Prevention is key to protecting our wildlife. Here are a few ways you can help reduce harm:

• Keep pets indoors at night – Cats and dogs can attack native animals, including possums and birds.

• Secure bins and food scraps – This prevents wildlife from foraging in unsafe areas.

• Use wildlife-friendly fencing – Avoid barbed wire or add markers to prevent flying animals from becoming trapped.

• Slow down on rural roads – Many animals, especially kangaroos, are more active during dawn and dusk.

Your Help Saves Lives

By taking the right steps when encountering injured wildlife, you can play a vital role in their rescue and recovery. Every effort counts, and even a quick phone call to a rescue group can make a life-saving difference.

At Sunset Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, we work to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals, and every purchase from our store helps support this mission. Thank you for caring about our native wildlife!

If you ever have any questions about what to do, feel free to reach out to us for advice.