General Advice for Handling Wildlife – Riverina Wildlife Health

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Wildlife may cause injury if not handled correctly or have diseases that can infect people. You should not attempt to rescue a native animal if you don't have the proper skills.

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If it is safe for both you and the animal, here are some things you can do while waiting for a wildlife rescuer or before taking the animal to a veterinarian:
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 	<li>Cover the animal with a towel or blanket.</li>
 	<li>Try to keep the animal calm and safe by placing it in a cardboard box or covered cage if you are able. Ensure the box or cage is secure so the animal can't escape.</li>
 	<li>Put the box somewhere warm, dark and quiet and do not offer any food or water unless advised by a vet or wildlife rescuer.</li>
 	<li>If it is an orphaned young animal or a bird, it will need to be kept warm.</li>
 	<li>Keep any pets and people well away from the area to reduce stress</li>
 	<li>Practice good hygiene during and after handling an animal, wear gloves if possible and wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water or use hand sanitiser afterwards.</li>
 	<li>If you are bitten or scratched, clean the injury with warm water and soap (or disinfectant), and seek medical advice.</li>
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<strong>DO NOT handle bats (flying-foxes or microbats), snakes, monitor lizards (goannas), large macropods (kangaroos or wallabies), raptors (eagles, falcons or hawks) as these animals all require specialist handling.</strong>

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Only licenced wildlife carers and registered veterinarians can take sick, injured or orphaned wildlife into care – you can’t keep them in your home and look after them.

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