Your First Steps When You Encounter Injured Wildlife
It usually happens without warning. You’re driving through open country or rolling into camp just before sunset, when something catches your eye at the edge of the road – a sudden movement, or the unsettling stillness of an animal that should be moving but isn’t.
For anyone travelling Australia, moments like this sit somewhere between heartbreak and uncertainty. You want to help, but you’re not always sure how. The good news is: you don’t need to have all the answers at that moment. You just need to know your first few right steps.
Here’s a guide to help you handle these encounters with care and responsibility.
START BY MAKING SURE THE AREA IS SAFE
Before anything else, stop and assess from a safe distance. Check for traffic, other animals, or hazards that could put you or the animal at further risk. Injured wildlife can behave unpredictably, especially if they’re scared or in pain.
If the animal is on or near a road and in immediate danger, only move it if it is completely safe to do so. Use something like a towel or blanket to gently guide it, avoiding direct handling where possible.
UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING AT
Different animals require different approaches, so identifying what species you’re dealing with can help guide your next step. Common roadside wildlife includes kangaroos, wallabies, possums, birds and reptiles. Each behaves differently when injured.
For example, kangaroos may have joeys in their pouch that also need attention, while birds can be easily stressed by close contact. Reptiles may still defend themselves even when injured.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess – treat it cautiously and move on to getting help.
CONTACT LOCAL WILDLIFE RESCUE SERVICES
Once you’ve assessed the situation, your next step should always be to contact a wildlife rescue organisation. They are trained to handle these situations and can guide you over the phone or dispatch a rescuer if needed.
Provide them with as much information as possible, including the animal’s location, condition and any visible injuries. They can offer advice on what to do next and may send a volunteer to assist with the rescue.
Here are key contacts around Australia:
● Queensland: RSPCA - 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
● New South Wales: WIRES - 1300 094 737
● Victoria: Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service - (03) 8400 7300
● Tasmania: Bonorong Wildlife Rescue - 0447 264 625 (all hours)
● South Australia: Fauna Rescue SA - (08) 8289 0896
● Western Australia: Wildcare Helpline - (61) 8 9474 9055
● Northern Territory: Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary - 0473 992 581
ONLY PROVIDE BASIC CARE IF INSTRUCTED
In some cases, rescue operators may ask you to help temporarily while waiting for assistance. This usually means keeping the animal warm, placing it somewhere dark and quiet and reducing stress as much as possible.
Do not feed the animal or attempt to treat injuries unless you are specifically told to do so. Wildlife have very specific care needs and incorrect handling can cause further harm.
HOW TO SAFELY TRANSPORT AN ANIMAL
If you’re asked to take the animal to a vet or rescue centre, keep things simple and secure. Use a ventilated box or container lined with a towel or soft material. Keep it dark and quiet to minimise stress.
Drive carefully, avoiding sudden movements and don’t check on the animal unnecessarily during transport. If possible, record where and how the animal was found, as this information helps rescuers with treatment and release later on.
A SIMPLE WILDLIFE RESCUE KIT TO KEEP ON HAND
Being prepared can make a difficult situation easier to manage. Consider keeping a small kit in your vehicle that includes:
● Towels (various sizes)
● Pillowcases or soft cloth bags
● A sturdy cardboard box or ventilated container
● Torch
● Disposable gloves
● Basic first aid kit
● Scissors or pliers (for entanglements)
● Pen and paper for location notes
You don’t need anything elaborate, just enough to safely contain or assist until help arrives.
