Tropical Cyclone Alfred

NATIVE WILDLIFE EXPECTED TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED BY TROPICAL CYCLONE ALFRED 

WIRES is asking the public to please report injured and storm-affected native wildlife during and after Tropical Cyclone Alfred. These extreme weather events can heavily impact species ranging from marine animals through to tree dwellers including koalas, gliders, birds and flying foxes. 

In preparation for Alfred, WIRES has strengthened its emergency response capability for Northern NSW by deploying two additional wildlife ambulances and Emergency Team members to support the WIRES ambulance and Team member permanently based at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. The WIRES 24/7 Rescue Office 1800 094 737 is also on standby for an increase in calls from the public reporting storm-impacted wildlife during and following the cyclone. 

During constant heavy rain periods wildlife can become waterlogged and unable to move which can result in hypothermia (see attached image). Native birds and other animals will often seek a sheltered position in these extreme weather events including verandahs, sheds and carports. 

Larger animals such as kangaroos and wombats may be forced by rising waters to move from their home range and then find themselves in unfamiliar territory where they can become disoriented and cross roads and highways without warning. 

Marine birds, sea turtles and sea snakes can be blown off course in the gale force winds or swept onshore during storm surges and found exhausted on beaches and river banks. Marine birds can sometimes be found and rescued many kilometres inland.

Flying-Foxes and bats may also seek refuge under verandas, house eaves and open sheds. Never attempt to handle or rescue any bat due to the risk of lyssavirus, instead please call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or your nearest wildlife rescue group so a vaccinated and trained volunteer can attend and assist. 

Never put yourself at risk by attempting to rescue or relocate a snake. WIRES advises treating every snake as potentially venomous and remember that we are not a food source and will only strike if they feel threatened. The underlying message regarding snakes and bats is the same - "no touch, no risk”.  

In the aftermath of storm cells, native freshwater turtles and other displaced reptiles can be found in unusual places as a result of flooded rivers, creeks and dams. 

It is imperative to not risk your own life in a flood situation - never enter floodwaters to attempt a rescue. 

WIRES extreme weather wildlife advice tips: 

• Keep pets (dogs and cats) indoors in the event native wildlife passes through your property while escaping the impact of falling trees, high winds or flooding.
• When driving keep a cardboard box, gloves, mask, a cotton pillowcase and/or towel in your car in case you find an injured animal on the roadside that you can safely contain. Please make a note of the rescue location so it can be released back into familiar habitat. 
• If you need to rescue an animal, please do not attempt to feed or give it water unless instructed to by a vet or trained wildlife carer as it may need to be anaesthetised to assess any injures.  
• Containing any injured or exhausted native animal can cause additional stress. They should not be handled after containment as they view humans as predators so please keep rescued wildlife in a warm, dark and quiet place away from all domestic pets and children until they can be assessed by a vet.
• Do not approach any snakes, flying-foxes, large kangaroos, wombats, raptors or lace monitors (goannas) as these species must be rescued by trained specialists - please call WIRES for advice on 1300 094 737.

For more information or interview opportunity with the following WIRES team please contact:  John Grant WIRES spokesperson -  M 0412 300 328 - E wiresmedia@icloud.com