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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:

1. When picking an animal up, wear gloves or place material over your hands for protection.

2. Cover the animal/s in a towel or blanket dampened with water. This will reduce their body temperature and provide a dark environment.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.