HEAT STRESS ALERT

Summer has come early this year with soaring temperatures affecting many kinds of wildlife already. Earlier this year a heatwave at the end of January took a major toll on our wildlife before the fires with a thousand fruit bats dying at Yarra Bend in Melbourne and hundreds of possums, mostly Ringtail possums and many koalas taken into care across the state suffering from heat exhaustion.

In the last few days we have had a huge influx of calls for heat stressed possums, birds and koalas that appear to be suffering from heat related exhaustion.

Possums have been appearing on people’s verandahs and backyards and koalas have been sighted either on the ground or sitting low in trees.

• Signs may include listlessness, disorientation, confusion, and heavy breathing or panting.

If this is the case please put your dogs and cats inside and leave shallow containers of water close to the areas where you see these animals.

Containers should NOT be metal, as these heat very quickly, but terracotta pot plant bases or ice cream or take away containers are ideal. Place these containers in a shaded area with sticks so small birds and animals don't drown.

For possums you can, leave out some fruit, they love grapes, watermelon, apple or pear, please place somewhere up high enough to protect them from domestic pet attacks.

Please also leave these animals in peace, as much as it is wonderful to see these animals close up it can place more unnecessary stress on them in these very hot conditions.

If the heat exhaustion appears severe and you notice animals suffering the above symptoms

PLEASE call the Wildlife Victoria 24hr Emergency line 13 000 94535.

A big thank you from all at Wildlife Victoria.