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Heat stressed wildlife
Heat stressed wildlife
This
summer, heat stressed wildlife have been making their way to RSPCA Shelters
across Victoria, particularly baby birds and possums. Sadly, these animals
are not coping with the recent hot temperatures we are experiencing across
the state.
If you find heat stressed wildlife, please follow these important
instructions:
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When picking an animal up, wear gloves or place
material over your hands for protection.
-
Cover the animal/s in a towel or blanket dampened with
water. This will reduce their body temperature and provide a dark
environment.
-
Pick the animal up from underneath. Be careful to avoid
the animal's claws, mouth or beak as it may feel threatened and could
attempt to defend itself.
-
Place the animal in a shady area that is protected
from predators. Place a bowl of water nearby and closely monitor the
animal's progress for the next hour. Make sure that you dampen the towel
every five minutes to ensure the animal remains cool.
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If the animal does not look more alert within an
hour, place it in a cardboard box or pillow case. Immediately take the
animal to your nearest vet, a wildlife carer or an RSPCA shelter.
With nurturing, wildlife may recover from their
stressful experience and may be re-released back into the local area.
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