Help keep wildlife cool this summer

MEMBERS of Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation are calling on the community to leave water out for dehydrated wildlife this summer.

The group’s president Melissa Morey said it is important to show compassion to native animals as like humans, they can also suffer from heat stress.

“With the warmer weather coming on, sometimes wildlife’s usual source of water that they can find on their own dries up,” she said.

“It’s a kind and compassionate thing to keep some water out in the garden to provide for the wildlife.”

The community is urged not to touch wildlife visitors but offer them water in a bowl and a place to rest.

Pouring water into birds’ mouths can create a risk of drowning, but by supplying them with a shallow bowl of water they may be able to cool down.

Ms Morey said it is also important that domestic pets are kept away from the area and that noise is kept to a minimum.

“Obviously the heat stresses them, but if you add cats and dogs into the scenario, they can become even more stressed really quickly,” she said.

“Cats and dogs are their predators so if you see wildlife in your backyard try and keep your domestic pets way from them.

“Sometimes they just need a cool down and rest before they move on their own way.”

If wildlife is spotted which may need more help, contact Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.