Rangers not wildlife experts

Thursday, 18 January 2018 09:01

By Taylah Strano

The City of Rockingham are reminding residents while Rangers are happy to help, they're not trained to handle wildlife issues.

The City of Rockingham want to remind residents when calling Rangers for wildlife troubles, remember there are more equipped services to handle the tasks.

The Rangers have recently been providing increased levels of assistance to injured and misplaced wildlife across the City.

While Rangers do their best to help, especially with animals in distress, they're not trained or qualified to handle wildlife rescue.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said residents need to seek assistance from experts with knowledge and equipment to respond quickly and in the correct manner.

“Our Rangers will do their best to assist with any wildlife issues if animals are causing immediate problems or posing a safety risk,” he said.

There are a variety of agencies and individuals who can help with distressed and injured animals:

• Seabirds entangled in fishing nets and lines, or injured, should be reported to Western Australian Seabird Rescue on 0418 952 683.
• Snake removal from a private property can be arranged by contacting an experienced reptile handler. Several are listed on the City’s website.
• Residents can take injured wildlife to a vet if the animal is safe to handle. Baldivis vet is well equipped to provide initial treatment to wildlife and is open 24 hours a day. The vet can be reached on 9474 9055.
• Dead kangaroos can be removed by the City by phoning 9528 0333.
• Residents requiring assistance or advice on wildlife should contact Wildcare on 9474 9055.

Residents are also urged to look out for roadside signs indicating large numbers of wildlife in the area, and to drive with caution around those areas, especially at night when many animals are more likely to be out and about.

Nocturnal animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and possums tend to be most active around dusk, throughout the night, at dawn, and after rain.

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