Quick reference checklist

1. Be aware of your own safety. Stressed animals can bite and scratch! If you are unable to restrain the animal as per the below steps contact us for assistance.

2. Keep them calm, keep them safe. Isolate any nearby threats such as domestic animals or predators, and if possible place it in or under a box or other suitable container so it is protected. Some animals will require warmth, particularly young animals that would still be with mum.  When placing young in a box wrap in towel and place on a heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in blankets. It is essential that young babies are kept warm.

3. If you have been able to secure the animal in a suitable container and the animal has obvious major trauma or is bleeding please consider taking the animal to a nearby vet for treatment. Most vets don't charge for wildlife and will normally treat the animal and refer it to a wildlife carer.

4. Contact BARN on 0405 056 066 for assistance.

As native animals have special diets it is important that you do not give food or water until you seek advice. Please note that it is illegal to keep a native wild animal without a wildlife license.

Even minor injuries may require immediate treatment or pain relief. Animals that go without treatment for too long may have severe complications that could prove fatal. If you follow this checklist we will all be giving the animal the best chance of survival.

Found a baby bird?

It is important to assess the situation before attempting to "rescue" a baby bird. More often than not, a baby bird that appears to have fallen out of it's nest is in fact just learning how to fly. If you see a baby bird on or near the ground please first check if the parents are around and if they are feeding and protecting it. If the bird is alert and active and being looked after by it's parents it is very likely to just be learning how to fly and it is much better to be left with it's parents. You could try to place the bird back up in the tree on a branch or build a makeshift nest out of a hanging basket or an icecream bucket with drainage holes.

If the baby bird has signs of injury or the parents cannot be found it will need to come into care. If in doubt please contact BARN for assistance.

Here is a website with more information from Brisbane Bird Vet http://www.brisbanebirdvet.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=IBHG0DQDS4A%3D&tabid=21189

IMPORTANT

DO NOT attempt to catch or handle a snake. Some venomous snakes can look very similar to common non venomous snakes. Treat all snakes as DANGEROUS.

DO NOT attempt to remove a baby from a mothers teat as this will cause fatal injuries. If possible take mother and baby as one to a vet or Call BARN immediately for assistance.

DO NOT attempt to catch or handle a bat. Only experienced licensed carers that have been vaccinated against Lyssavirus should attempt to handle a bat.  Please contact a Bat Care Group such as Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD Inc on 0488 228 134 if you find a sick or injured bat.

DO NOT attempt to capture or handle adult macropods or Koalas as they can be quite dangerous. Please call BARN or RSPCA for further assistance if you find a sick or injured adult macropod or Koala.