Strong winds and heavy rain can put wildlife under stress.

How you can help:

After the storm has passed and it is safe to do so please check under trees for fallen chicks, nests or injured birds. There have also been many flying-foxes entangled in backyard fruit tree netting, made worse this year by the severe natural food shortages up and down the east coast of Australia. If you see an injured young or adult flying-fox please do not touch, call WIRES immediately for assistance 1300 094 737.

Some birds will be waterlogged and on the ground unable to fly. Please pick them up by gently wrapping them in a small towel or soft cloth with no loose threads (they can easily become entangled).

Take them inside and place in a ventilated box large enough for the bird to stand, place a soft cloth on the bottom of the box and let the bird warm up and dry out in peace and quiet.

Please do not feed the bird, if you feel it needs food please call for advice first.

Once the weather has settled the bird should be taken back outside, open the box and the bird should fly away. If this does not happen please call for advice.

Small possums and gliders could also be found under trees after a severe storm.

After the storm has passed and it is safe to do so please check any fallen trees specially older trees with hollows as almost certainly someone would have called that hollow home.

Please be vigilant on our roads looking out for wildlife. Take care and stay safe.

Please call 1300 094 737 for advice and assistance.