Eurobodalla Shire's wildlife has been heavily affected by drought and fire this summer, and residents are being encouraged to give birds and animals a helping hand.
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Eurobodalla Shire 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."
What you can 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 container
- Provide 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 suitable
- Provide bird seed mix in bird feeders. Avoid black sunflower seeds - the high oil content is harmful to birds
In 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 www.environment.nsw.gov.au
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) also offers assistance under certain conditions to repair or replace fences bordering national parks affected by bushfires. To take up offer, please contact the environment line on 1300 361 967 or email info@environment.nsw.gov.au.
