Female marsupials carry their young (called joeys) in a pouch outside their body. The joey is quite protected inside the pouch and may survive a traumatic event that kills the mother. Therefore, it is very important to check the pouch of deceased female marsupials to make sure that there is no live joey inside.
Pouch joeys are dependent on species-specific milk and require specialised care. Do not feed them anything. They should be kept warm and quiet and transported to a veterinarian or experienced wildlife carer as soon as possible.
If you have found an orphaned joey, or a deceased female marsupial and are unable to check the pouch, please contact WIRES Riverina on 1300 094 737 to get in touch with a local wildlife rescuer.
If you handle any wildlife (including pouch-checking deceased adults) make sure that you practice good hygiene. Wear gloves if possible and wash your hands with soapy water or use hand-sanitiser afterwards.
