Floods and Storms 
 Factsheet for Wildlife 

FLOODS, STORMS AND WILDLIFE

Flooding, storm, wind, and extreme rain, events can be very detrimental for wildlife. Some animals may drown, and many animals require rescue assistance as they are caught in, or displaced by, large areas of inundation and fast-flowing floodwaters.

Please report sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife and read WIRES Emergency Advice.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP IF YOU ARE IN AN IMPACTED AREA

  • Keep cats indoors and dogs under control where possible, so that wildlife can flee safely through your property, and take domestic animals with you if you evacuate.
  • Look out for waterlogged animals. A waterlogged animal is completely saturated and often unable to move, and they may be seeking shelter in unusual places. If you find a bird in this state and it is safe to do so, you can pick them up by gently wrapping them in a small towel or soft cloth with no loose threads. Then place them in a ventilated box large enough for the bird to stand, place a soft cloth on the bottom of the box, and let the bird warm up in a quiet, dry location whilst waiting to speak to our team.
  • Keep an eye out for displaced animals, including seabirds blown off course as they can be found exhausted on beaches and many kilometres inland, turtles and other reptiles can be swept into unusual locations, and possums and gliders can be found on the ground under trees.
  • Ground-dwelling species are at risk and may be seeking refuge. Keep alert for local wildlife, especially burrow-dwelling species such as wombats that may need assistance.
  • Flying-Foxes and microbats can seek refuge under verandas, house eaves, and in open sheds, and specialist rescuers must attend for assessment and rescue.
  • Check the hollows of fallen trees if it is safe to do so.
  • Be vigilant on the road and keep an eye out for wildlife. Keep a cardboard box, gloves, personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser, and a towel, in the boot of your car in case you find an injured animal that you can safely contain.
  • If you rescue an injured animal do not attempt to feed it. Call WIRES and transport it to the nearest vet as quickly as possible.

STAYING SAFE

Floods and major storms present a significant risk to the safety of volunteers and community members, and the activities conducted during and after a flood must follow the directives of the first responder organisations such as the SES.

It is imperative not to risk your life. Do not drive through or enter floodwaters.

If there are floods in your area, stay safe by:

  • Calling 000 if you require emergency assistance,
  • Leave early before roads are closed,
  • Make sure you have an up-to-date Emergency Plan.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP

During emergency events it is common for people to want to assist impacted wildlife through volunteering, donating goods, and donations, and WIRES is deeply grateful for their support.

Although volunteering offers are always appreciated, wildlife rescue and care are complex, and we are unable to have untrained volunteers care for wildlife during an emergency. However, we encourage anyone wanting to help wildlife on an ongoing basis to join WIRES as a volunteer.

Many people want to help with donated goods during disaster events and the organisation is always in need of specific items. At times the quantity of items offered will exceed our capacity to accept, but please review our donated goods page for more information.

Everything WIRES does to help wildlife is made possible by the ongoing support of our donors, if you can donate to support our work you are helping with emergency response and 24/7 rescue support, 365 days a year. Donating is one of the best ways to support our wildlife work, as it enables us to buy exactly what’s needed, when needed, and ensures that our wildlife programs can operate long-term.