Wildlife

Springfield District Vets will evaluate and treat sick and injured wildlife at no charge, and will work with wildlife carers or sanctuaries if specific rehabilitation is required. We have a list of community members who are trained to take care of wildlife.

Afterhours, please follow outline below before placing wildlife in a secure box. Bring wildlife to surgery from 7am Monday to Saturday, or between 10am to 12 noon Sundays.

Please fill in a Wildlife admission form before bringing wildlife to the clinic.
Please read the following if you have found a baby bird - Baby birds.

Handling wild animals

• Firstly, do not put yourself in danger
• Be alert - wildlife will try to bite and scratch, use thick towels or gloves to handle     
• Wrap the animal in a towel and place in a closed cardboard box to keep it warm and quiet
• Make sure there is adequate ventilation of the box
• If possible, check to see if there are any live young in the pouch
• Never handle any bat or flying fox - you may contract a serious disease (Lyssa Virus)
• If you cannot handle the animal call for advice from:
                - your local vet Springfield Disctrict Vets on...... 3288 1574      
                - the RSPCA on ...................................................1300 264 625
                - Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on..... 1300 130 372
                - Wildlife Emergency Hotline................................1300 369 652

• Let the vet know where you found it so it can be released in that area

Caring for Wildlife

It is illegal to care for injured wildlife yourself, unless you have a rehabilitation permit. Information about obtaining a permit can be found at Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (QWRC).

Wildlife are wild animals, and must be released back into their environment once rehabilitated. To ensure this is possible, human contact should be kept to a minimum so the animal retains their ability to defend themelves.

Unfortunately, some wild animals may be too injured to ever be released and sadly, may need to be euthanised.

For more information on wildlife, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au

Snake Catchers

Some snake catchers will not remove snakes if they are just in the backyard. Snakes are an everyday occurence in suburban back yards, it's just that they are not always seen. The snake will usually go on it's own if given the chance.

You could try banging on the ground at a safe distance from the snake. Sometimes this will encourage the snake to be on it's way. Stay indoors, put cats and dogs in the house or garage and leave to gate open to give the snake a chance to leave.

Phone the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 130 372 and they will give out the phone number for snake catchers in the area. There is a charge for this as it is an independant service. The cost varies depending on the length of call and the difficulty in catching the snake.

Local Snake Catchers provided by the Ipswich City Council:

• Stephanie  0421 455 077
• Bryan          0413 028 081