1

Prioritise Your Safety

If the animal you have found is located on or near a road make sure you park as safely as possible and turn on your hazard lights.
(If it’s dark turn on your headlights and stand infront of the car so you are well illuminated)

Keep a safe distance from the animal to not cause panic, do not attempt to handle or approach the animal until you have contacted a trained rescuer.

Important: Larger mammals can be dangerous when distressed, and need to be handled by a trained wildlife carer.

2

Contact a Wildlife Rescuer ASAP

Caring and handling  wildlife requires specialist skills and training.

The best thing you can do to help the animal is contact a trained professional who can give the animal the care it needs.

Wildlife Victoria run an emergency support line between 6:40am – 8:30pm AEST 7 days a week – Call them on (03) 8400 7300

If Wildlife Victoria are unavailable or unable to assist contact us at the shelter directly on 0409 380 327 and we will do our best to assist

3

Follow the Rescuers Instructions

If you are unable to wait for the rescuer to arrive try your best to leave some kind of marker or signal close to the animals location so they can easily locate it.

If your rescuer has asked you to bring the animal to a nearby wildlife shelter remember to prioritise your safety and the safety of the animal. Handle the animal delicately with as much padding between you and it to protect from biting, disease or simply to prevent stress.

Never attempt to feed native wildlife but if possible provide clean drinking water.

4

If in Doubt Contact
Hepburn Wildlife Shelter

If you feel uncomfortable, or unsure at any point in the rescue process contact Hepburn Wildlife Shelter on 0409 380 327.

We have decades of experience rescuing, caring and rehabiliting all manner of native wildlife and can provide clear, simple instructions over the phone in a majority of cases.

We would rather you call us for advice than risk yourself or the animal in any way.