A warning for motorists to keep a look out for native animals on local roads with many on the move looking for a mate this Spring.
The RSPCA Wildlife Hospital has already had a record number of wildlife being brought in for treatment during what is described as ‘trauma season’.
Jaimee Blouse, Business Development Manager for Wildlife RSPCA said there’s a significant increase in the number of patients including kangaroos, possums, koalas, birds and reptiles coming through this year.
“Spring is breeding season so a lot more animals are on the move, and they are getting themselves into trouble in the sense that they have to come into contact with humans a lot more frequently, passing over roads or yards.”
Ms Blouse said at this time of year RSPCA Queensland saw thousands of baby birds brought in with apparent ailments. However, that is not always the case as they are still at the fledgling stage and learning how to fly.
“Leave them with their parents if they are still around but if they are injured, sick or threatened by domestic animals they definitely will need attention.”
Meanwhile, Three native animals, a Central Bearded Dragon, Echidna and Striated Pardolate Bird, from Ipswich and Somerset regions are among native animals to be treated at the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in recent weeks.
Here’s their stories:
Echidna
A young echidna was brought in with a beak trauma by a police constable in Yamanto.
The RSPCA Vet team stitched up his nose and he is being monitored and cared for until he is ready to be released back into Yamanto.
It is echidna breeding season so many echidnas are on the move looking for a mate.
(Video: Ella from RSPCA Wildlife Hospital)
Central Bearded Dragon
The Central Bearded Dragon was brought in from Toogoolawah with a fractured femur.
He had to be checked over by vets, X-rayed and have his leg stabilised.
He’s currently being cared for and monitored by RSPCA QLD vet nurses and will hopefully make a full recovery and be released back to his home range.
Striated Pardolate Bird
Striated Pardolate baby bird found orphaned in a backyard in Bundamba.
The bird was checked by vet staff and cared for by nurses until a wildlife bird carer is able to take the bird in and care for it until it’s ready to go out on its own.
If you see injured or sick animals, report them to the RSPCA’s 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
For more details on how to help wildlife during Spring click the following link:
https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/blog/wildlife-conservation/tips-to-help-wildlife-in-spring
