Queensland, NSW floods explainer: What to do if you find an injured, or displaced, animals amid crisis

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Animals are attempting to escape floodwaters, with some sheltering in human structures and other “unusual places”.

This Ringtail Possum was rescued yesterday by WIRES in Northern Sydney. The possum had no injuries but was very lethargic. It was transported to a local vet.
This Ringtail Possum was rescued yesterday by WIRES in Northern Sydney. The possum had no injuries but was very lethargic. It was transported to a local vet. (WIRES)
A lizard watches on as Nepean river rises. Windsor residents head down to inspect the Nepean River on the rise. Flood levels are expected to reach near 2021 levels. With Warragamba Dam currently spilling and a heavy rain system sitting right over the catchment area, emergency services are anxiously awaiting the volumes of water that are making there way down. Photographs taken Wednesday 2nd March 2022.
A lizard watches on as Nepean river rises in Sydney. (Dean Sewell.)

Should you find yourself in this position, WIRES said you should attempt to remove any immediate threat.

“Gently place a towel over the animal and place it in a ventilated box with a lid. Place the box in a warm, dark, quiet place,” WIRES said.

Once the animal is safe Call WIRES immediately on 1300 094 737.

Woman and kangaroo watch over floodwaters in Woodburn, NSW.
Woman and kangaroo watch over floodwaters in Woodburn, NSW. (Hanabeth Luke)
WIRES said animals are 'sheltering in unusual places' to escape the floods.
WIRES said animals are ‘sheltering in unusual places’ to escape the floods. Water or food should not be provided to the animal unless advised. (WIRES / Andy Newton)

“Please do not give the animal any food or water, unless instructed to by a vet or WIRES,” it said.

Residents are urged not to approach any of the following: flying-foxes or microbats, reptiles or large animals.

WIRES is urging residents to be on alert for exhausted seabirds that may land on shore.
WIRES is urging residents to be on alert for exhausted seabirds that may land on shore. (WIRES)

WIRES also explained exhausted and waterlogged seabirds will be landing along shorelines.

Should you come across one, WIRES advises the following:

“Seabirds become stressed very easily. It is imperative that they are quickly placed into a well ventilated cardboard box with as little handling as possible,” it said.

“Do not attempt to rub them dry as this can be incredibly stressful and cause feather damage.”

From there residents should call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

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