Residents can give Eurobodalla’s wildlife a helping hand

Eurobodalla’s wildlife has been heavily affected by drought and fire this summer, and residents are being encouraged to give the shire’s birds and animals a helping hand.

Eurobodalla Council’s natural resources supervisor Heidi Thomson said the community were asking how they could best help impacted wildlife.

“Ordinarily we discourage feeding native animals and birds, but these fires have followed a prolonged dry spell and our wildlife needs support until natural food sources become available again,” Ms Thomson said.

“The community can help by following some simple do’s and don’ts. Don’t forget, injured wildlife and wildlife looking distressed or hungry can be reported to WIRES on 1300 094 737.”

Do

Provide water on the ground and in hung in trees. Use dishes no deeper than 15cm and use rocks or bricks with small branches to ensure animals can get out of the containerProvide cut fruit and vegetables on the ground or hung in baskets in trees. Sweet potato, corn on the cob, celery, pumpkin, apple, orange watermelon and pear are all suitableProvide bird seed mix in bird feeders. Avoid black sunflower seeds – the high oil content is harmful to birdsIn addition, suitable animal food that can be purchased from local produce stores including a lorikeet and honeyeater nectar liquid and pellets (kangaroo, horse or alpaca blends) for kangaroos, wallabies and wombats.

National Parks and Wildlife Services have more information about helping wildlife in emergency situations at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/helping-wildlife-in-emergencies